AUGUSTA, Ga. – The 76th Masters Tournament began Thursday morning with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and – for the first time – Gary Player each hitting their ceremonial tee shots into the first fairway at Augusta National Golf Club.
A combined 13 Masters titles between the trio, they teed off promptly at 7:40 a.m. ET, with Player outdriving his fellow legendary peers.
Another three-time Masters champion was on the first tee, as well. Phil Mickelson – more than six hours before his 1:53 p.m. ET tee time – was on hand to witness the scene.
