Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus are “old hands” as honorary starters at the US Masters in Augusta. For years, the golf legends have opened the legendary Major at Augusta National Golf Club with the first tee shot. However, this year they will live the experience with an old acquaintance and friend, Tom Watson. Watson won two green jackets in his 43-year Masters career. In April, Tom Watson will tee off at the US Masters for the first time as one of the three Honorary Starters.
Fred Ridley: “We are happy that he accepted our invitation”
Fred Ridley, President of the US Masters, said in a press announcement on Tuesday morning (11.01.2022), “I am honored that Tom Watson accepted our invitation to the US Masters. I look forward to commemorating his love for the game and the impact on the Masters. Watson counts with millions of fans of his across the globe who cannot wait to watch him hitting the tee shot. Specially when he will do so alongside the two other all-time greats, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.”
The three honorary starters share a long career together at the Masters and the PGA Tour. They faced each other both as competitors and as friends. Actually, Jack Nicklaus was the runner-up in both of the Tom Watson’s victories. On the other hand, Watson gave up the 1978 Masters victory to Nicklaus after finishing with an upsetting bogey.
Chairman Ridley announced today that two-time @TheMasters champion @TomWatsonPGA will join @jacknicklaus and @garyplayer as an Honorary Starter beginning Thursday, April 7, 2022, at the 86th Masters Tournament.
— The Masters (@TheMasters) January 11, 2022
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Tom Watson is looking forward to returning to Augusta
“Augusta National in April is one of my favorite places to be.” Watson said. “With the many fond memories of both watching the Masters as a youngster and then competing in the Tournament for so many years, I am greatly proud to join my friends and fellow competitors, Jack and Gary, as an Honorary Starter in this upcoming Masters. In fact, Jack was on my heels in both of my victories. Furthermore, when Gary won his third Tournament in 1978, I was there to help him put the Green Jacket on. Nowadays, those are the memories stand out in my career when I look back. To have the opportunity to share the Honorary Starter tradition with Jack, Gary and the Masters patrons is very special to me.”
Moreover, Watson will honour this role double this year. Tom is also going to live up to the recently deceased Lee Elder, the golf legend who became the first black player to open the Masters as an Honorary Starter in 2021.