Boom! Gary Player Pipes One Down the Middle to Kick Off 2025 Masters

The action is underway at Augusta National for the 2025 Masters.

Apr 10, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Gary Player tees off as an honorary starter during the first round of the Masters Tournament. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

To kick off the 2025 Masters, Gary Player, who won the Masters three times over the course of his brilliant career, striped one right down the middle. After the tee shot, Player entertained the patrons with his signature leg kick.

Honorary Starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson begin the 2025 Masters Tournament. #themasters pic.twitter.com/LstSDUkltb

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 10, 2025

Jack Nicklaus was second to tee off. When Masters Chairman Fred Ridley announced the six-time Masters winner as "next to tee off", Nicklaus replied, "Maybe, if I don't fall down putting [the tee] in the ground."

Like Player, Nicklaus hit an accurate drive after soaking in the moment at Augusta National.

Jack Nicklaus hit second after Gary Player. / Erick Rasco/Sports Illustrated

Tom Watson, a two-time Masters champion, struck the final tee shot of the opening ceremony with a solid drive, his emotions evident as he walked off the tee box.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the 2025 Masters Tournament is officially underway," Ridley concluded.