Golf legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player reunited here with each hitting a drive off the first tee to declare open the 79th Masters Tournament.
Palmer, 85, Player, 79, and Nicklaus, 75, have together grabbed a total of 13 Masters titles. Playing from 1960 to 1966, the big three combined to win seven straight Masters, reports Xinhua.
"We do the best we can with what we've got," Nicklaus on Thursday said of himself and his fellow Honorary Starters.
"Nobody enjoys the alternative, so we go out and do the best we can."
The tradition of having golfers kick off the Tournament began in 1963 with Scots Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod in the role and is "a fun and wonderful way to start the Masters every year", said Billy Payne, chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club.
"The 2015 Masters is officially under way and have fun," Payne told the patrons after the ceremonial tee shots.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app