Nicklaus And Player Get 2019 Masters Underway

The two legends officially got the 2019 tournament under way with their opening drives.

Nicklaus And Player Get 2019 Masters Underway
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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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.

Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly. 

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for.


Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel. 

He also oversees all Tour player content as well so if you need to know what clubs Tiger or Rory has in play, Sam is the person to ask. 

Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five. 


Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Titleist TS3 (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Callaway Paradym (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) 

Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚ 

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Infinity NEXT%/Cuater The Ringer