Masters 2026: Nicklaus, Player and Watson hit their ceremonial tee shots, then speak their minds about golf
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The 90th Masters Tournament began with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson hitting opening tee shots at Augusta National, with Player, 90, impressively performing a high leg kick during his shot.
- Tom Watson expressed strong disapproval of the PGA Tour's decision to reinstate LIV golfers Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, advocating for a lifetime ban and stricter requalification requirements for players returning from LIV Golf.
- Jack Nicklaus, recovering from recent carpal tunnel surgery, humorously acknowledged his less-than-perfect shot, while reflecting on his 1986 Masters win as his most special victory.
- All three legends support rolling back the golf ball's distance, with Gary Player suggesting a 60-yard reduction for professional golf, and Nicklaus warning that current measures are insufficient to control the ball's distance effectively.
- The tournament also highlighted ongoing discussions about preserving the integrity of professional golf and protecting sponsors, amid evolving player commitments and equipment regulations.
