Jack Nicklaus at 90 Still Running the Masters Starting Line, and He's Not Done Yet
Augusta, Georgia got its ceremonial kickoff Wednesday morning when three living legends stepped up to the first tee at 7:25 a.m. ET. Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson fired the opening shots of the 90th Masters Tournament, continuing a tradition that defines how this tournament honors its past while moving into the future.
For Nicklaus, now in his 90th year, the role as honorary starter has become part of the fabric of Augusta National. The question hanging over the tournament this week wasn't just about who would win, but whether the Golden Bear would continue in this ceremonial capacity moving forward. The answer appears to be yes. Nicklaus showed up, showed out, and proved he's still got a place at the biggest moment of Masters week.
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There's something sacred about watching Nicklaus, Player, and Watson take those opening shots. These aren't just three old guys hitting balls. These are three of the greatest golfers to ever live, and their presence at the first tee sets the tone for everything that follows. They represent the history, the excellence, the standard that Augusta National demands from everyone who competes there.
The 90th edition of the Masters is the kind of milestone that gets people thinking about legacy and what sticks around. For Nicklaus, being that ceremonial starter isn't just a role. It's recognition that some things transcend competition. It's about respect, continuity, and honoring what came before.
What's Next
The question now is simple: will this continue? Nicklaus is 90. He could decide to step away at any time. But if Wednesday morning proved anything, it's that he's still got the fire and the presence to command the moment. For Masters fans, having Nicklaus, Player, and Watson out there at 7:25 a.m. ET is part of what makes this tournament feel different from everything else in sports.
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