The two legends officially got the 2019 tournament under way with their opening drives.
Nicklaus And Player Get 2019 Masters Underway
The 2019 Masters is under way thanks to Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player teeing off earlier today.
The Honorary Starters, @jacknicklaus and @garyplayer, celebrate the start of the 2019 Masters. #themasters pic.twitter.com/GuzWrXMUeC
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 11, 2019
The tradition of honorary starters at the Masters officially began back in 1963 with Fred McLeod and Jock Hutchinson. From that point on the idea of having golfing greats hit the first tee shot stuck.
Throughout the 1980’s Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson and Ken Venturi all hit shots to kick off the tournament.
Then after a brief hiatus from 2003 to 2006, the tradition resumed with Arnold Palmer in 2007, who was convinced to hit the opening tee-shot by Chairman Billy Payne.
Player kicks off the tournament in his usual fashion (Getty Images)
Jack Nicklaus joined the King in 2010 and then South African Gary Player formed the famous trio in 2012.
After the death of Palmer in September 2016, there was considerable discussion on who would be the replacement, however the powers that be decided to just stick with Nicklaus and Player this year.
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Player, a three-time Masters winner hit off first with his new PXG clubs – he signed with the brand recently to use 14 of their clubs.
Nicklaus then followed and the 2019 tournament got officially underway.
We are set for an incredible tournament. Many of the top players in the world like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose have all shown great form at the start of the year and could all be heavily involved come Sunday.
Additionally Tiger Woods and his emergence back onto the golfing scene at the highest level could lead to his involvement later this week. He has an incredible record at Augusta and it takes a brave person to bet against the American.
Who do you think will go on to win a Green Jacket? Follow us on our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to let us know and stay up to date with all the latest news from the tournament.
This article Nicklaus And Player Get 2019 Masters Underway appeared first on Golf Monthly.