The 90th playing of the Masters Tournament officially opened Thursday morning with the traditional ceremonial opening tee shots, as World Golf HOFers Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson each went off of No. 1 tee. After an introduction from Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley, Player was first to hit -- splitting the fairway at 7:25am ET and giving his signature kick celebration afterward. Next up was Nicklaus, dressed in his trademark yellow. After a warning of “oh boy, watch out,” Nicklaus stepped up and hit a quick hook to the left over the patrons -- letting out a laugh after the shot. Watson was last to step to the tee, and after joking with Nicklaus that he should have taken a practice swing, Watson stepped in and hit the fairway. And with that, the 90th Masters Tournament officially began. Competitor tee times began shortly after at 7:40am ET (SBJ).
The 90th Masters Tournament begins with ceremonial tee shots from Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson. #themasters https://t.co/5WMvw0UeKz
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2026
Weather wise, things are looking pretty promising in Augusta for the weekend. Thursday will see the best chance of rain, although still only at 13%. It was a chilly start Thursday morning at 48 degrees, but temperatures will remain mild throughout the tournament -- with highs of 74 degrees (Thursday), 77 degrees (Friday), 82 degrees (Saturday) and 84 degrees (Sunday) (SBJ).
