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Gary Player continued in his role as Honorary Starter at The Masters this year, where he was again joined by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
The legendary trio were once again given a warm welcome by crowds at Augusta National as they kicked off the major championship.
South African legend Player won three of his nine major championships at The Masters, triumphing in 1961, 1974 and 1978.
He also won The Open Championship three times, the PGA Championship twice and the US Open once, completing the career grand slam.
Now 90 years old, Player has taken to social media to share his delight at helping start another edition of The Masters.
Gary Player issues emotional message after starting The Masters
An emotional message from Player on X read: “68 years coming to Augusta for the Masters and 15 as an Honorary Starter.
“To Augusta National, the patrons, the staff, the press, the volunteers, my fellow starters Jack and Tom, and fans around the world, words cannot describe how much love you give each and every year and the gratitude that fills my heart.”
It is a stunning run from the veteran, who will no doubt be desperate to return to Augusta once again next year.
Player is still going strong at The Masters despite his age, alongside 86-year-old Nicklaus and 76-year-old Watson.
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Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson should inspire field at The Masters
Player, Nicklaus and Watson represent a very fitting trio to help start such a prestigious tournament.
They boast 11 wins at The Masters combined, with Nicklaus claiming the green jacket six times, more than any other player, and Watson emerging victorious twice.
The trio have gone down in sporting history for their superb achievements, which include a combined 35 major wins.
With 18, Nicklaus is responsible for over half of those titles, while Watson finished his fantastic career with eight.
Their presence alone at Augusta should provide more than enough motivation for the current field, many of whom have endured a difficult start.
But defending champion Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns had few difficulties as they opened with 5-under 67s to top the leaderboard after day one.
Kurt Kitayama, Jason Day and Patrick Reed are two shots behind heading into the second round, followed by Shane Lowry, Xander Schauffele, Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler on 2-under.
Read more:
Gary Player sends message to Rory McIlroy on social media after his first ever Champions Dinner
Jack Nicklaus suggests what Rory McIlroy’s real issue at Augusta was before he won The Masters last year
Tom Watson strongly disagrees with Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf
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