Every year at the Masters, a PGA Tour player is selected as an honorary starter. Whoever is chosen has to make an appearance alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, making it a fun affair for fans as well. This time, Tom Watson was chosen to start at the major event.
Of course, the announcement has created a certain buzz online. Golf fans are excited about the upcoming tournament, which is sure to bring along lots of unforgettable moments.
Chairman Ridley announced today that two-time @TheMasters champion @TomWatsonPGA will join @jacknicklaus and @garyplayer as an Honorary Starter beginning Thursday, April 7, 2022, at the 86th Masters Tournament.
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/hSmESQe20E pic.twitter.com/EhuArbKGaD
— The Masters (@TheMasters) January 11, 2022
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Fans react to Tom Watson’s selection as The Masters honorary starter
Most fans were happy about Watson’s selection. They seemed to be delighted about the revelation, as some had already predicted Watson being chosen. “Was only a matter of time,” wrote one fan.
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“Chairman Ridley announced today that two-time @TheMasters champion, @TomWatsonPGA will join @jacknicklaus and @garyplayer as an Honorary Starter beginning Thursday, April 7, 2022, at the 86th Masters Tournament,” The Masters announced on Twitter.
Happy with the news, fans took to the comments to express their delight.
Natural selection.
I thought perhaps Raymond Floyd would have had seniority in that regard for an invite, but no complaints here.
Congratulations Tom, well deserved.— ⛳️🏌️♂️ (@TW82_15) January 11, 2022
JOCK HUTCHISON (1884-1977) and FRED McLEOD (1882-1976) were the Masters first 'Honorary Starters' in 1963. Lil' trivia nugget.
— Carter Gorman (@CarterGorman5) January 11, 2022
Tom has been playing the par 3 forever with Jack and Arnie. This momorial start is long overdue. He deserves it!!!
— Silas Leeks (@SilasLeeks) January 11, 2022
In 25 years time, the starters will be Gary, Phil, and Tiger.
— Steve B (@StevevB8) January 11, 2022
Watson deserves the nod. Congrats 🎉
— Rayzor (@IrishTomsyFan) January 11, 2022
As expected, fans reacted to the tweet, sharing their views on the same. “Natural selection,” wrote another fan, adding that they did feel Raymond Floyd could also have been a good choice.
“What a charming way to tell somebody he’s become old,” joked another fan.
Most fans let the authorities know that it was one of their best picks yet, and they are eager to see how the event goes. Of course, people also spoke of Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods becoming starters some years down the line.
Watson on being selected
Thank you, Chairman Ridley, for this great honor. See you on the tee in April, @jacknicklaus @garyplayer! #TheMasters https://t.co/HwwvvYxP1I
— Tom Watson (@TomWatsonPGA) January 11, 2022
Watson certainly responded to the honor. Like fans, Watson himself was looking forward to starting and sharing the course with Player and Nicklaus. “Thank you, Chairman Ridley, for this great honor. See you on the tee in April,” the eight-time major winner wrote, tagging the others.
He also spoke about the situation otherwise, giving a shout-out to Augusta National as one of his special places. Watson also has 39 PGA Tour wins to his name, along with 14 more PGA Tour Champions.
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“With the many fond memories of both watching the Masters as a youngster and then competing in the Tournament for so many years,” Watson said. “I am greatly honored to join my friends and fellow competitors, Jack and Gary.”
READ MORE: Augusta National Chairperson Fred Ridley Reveals the Three Honorary Starters for the 2022 Masters
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Furthermore, the 72-year-old made his debut in 1970 and has the fifth-longest consecutive start record with 42.
Are you excited to see Watson starting at The Masters?