[Masters Moments] Watson: "Now I'm the Honorary Leadoff Hitter~"

Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson (from left) are waiting for their tee shot turn at the honorary tee-off event marking the start of the Masters. Augusta, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…Tom Watson (USA) stepped up as the new honorary starter.

On the night of the 7th (Korean time) at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA (par 72, 7,510 yards), during the 'Masters Tournament' of the Champions. Following tradition, Jack Nicklaus (USA), Gary Player (South Africa), and Watson announced the opening with ceremonial tee shots. After Arnold Palmer passed away in 2016, for three years only Nicklaus and Player performed the ceremonial tee shots, but last year Lee Elder (USA), the first Black participant in the Masters, joined them but passed away in November.

The Masters ceremonial tee shots began in 1963, with interruptions and resumptions, and have been held continuously since 2007. Watson won six major championships and wore the 'Green Jacket' twice. He is regarded as the greatest player of the next generation after the so-called 'Big Three Elders'?Nicklaus, Player, and Palmer. Amid the rain, 87-year-old Player took the first tee shot, followed by 82-year-old Nicklaus stepping onto the teeing ground, still showing an elegant swing.

The youngest and a participant in the Masters until 2016, 73-year-old Watson appeared last and hit a splendid driver shot comparable to an active player. Then Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National, officially declared the tournament open. The Augusta area had heavy rain since the previous day, and due to thunder and lightning, the start was delayed by 30 minutes from the scheduled time. The competition began with tee shots from Jos? Mar?a Olaz?bal (Spain) and J.J. Spaun (USA).

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