AUGUSTA, Ga. — The 90th edition of the Masters Tournament teed off on Thursday under the blooming azaleas of Augusta National Golf Club, marking the start of the year's first major championship in professional golf. As one of the most revered events in sports, the tournament drew thousands of spectators to the historic course, where traditions blended seamlessly with the drama of elite competition. Players navigated the meticulously manicured fairways and lightning-fast greens, setting the stage for what promises to be another unforgettable week in golf's grandest stage.
The day began with a ceremonial flourish, as golf legends Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player served as the Honorary Starters. According to reports from the event, the trio took to the first tee at around 7:30 a.m. EDT, striking their opening shots into the crisp Georgia morning air. This ritual, a staple since 1963, honors past champions and underscores the tournament's deep roots in the sport's history. Watson, a five-time Masters winner, later reflected on the moment in a brief statement shared by organizers, saying, 'It's always an honor to kick things off here at Augusta.'
With the formalities complete, the field of 89 competitors — including defending champion Scottie Scheffler and a host of rising stars — began their rounds. The course, known for its strategic demands and natural beauty, lived up to its reputation from the outset. Early leaders emerged amid birdies and bogeys, but it was the iconic scenery that amplified the atmosphere: the towering pines framing the holes, the iconic Eisenhower Tree on the 17th (though famously removed years ago, its memory lingers), and the pimento cheese sandwiches at the concessions stands, a fan favorite since the 1940s.
One of the day's standout moments came from Max Homa, who electrified the crowd with an eagle on the par-5 eighth hole, the Yellow Jasmine. According to an official tweet from The Masters account, Homa 'moves under par after an eagle on No. 8,' a feat that propelled him into contention early. Eyewitnesses described the shot as a masterful approach from 210 yards, followed by a holed putt that drew cheers rippling through the galleries. Homa, ranked No. 11 in the world, entered the tournament seeking his first major title after a strong 2025 season on the PGA Tour.
'Max Homa moves under par after an eagle on No. 8. #themasters,' read the post from @TheMasters, accompanied by video footage capturing the ball dropping into the cup.
Augusta National's layout, designed by Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones in the 1930s, presented its usual array of challenges. The 7,555-yard course features undulating terrain and deceptive slopes, with the front nine often playing shorter but no less treacherous. Officials reported ideal scoring conditions with light winds and temperatures in the mid-70s, allowing for some aggressive play. However, the back nine's Amen Corner — holes 11 through 13 — loomed as a potential equalizer, where many a lead has unraveled in past tournaments.
Beyond the leaderboard, the sensory experience of the Masters remained a highlight. Spectators savored the classics: the egg salad sandwiches wrapped in green paper, the limited commercial interruptions on broadcast, and the polite hush that falls over the course during shots. ESPN coverage noted that 'from the course to the concessions, all the classic staples were there to accompany the on-course play,' emphasizing the event's timeless appeal. For many attendees, the tournament is as much about the pageantry as the pars.
Among the notables in the field was Rory McIlroy, chasing the career Grand Slam with a win here, and Liv Golf participants like Jon Rahm, whose presence added layers to ongoing discussions about the sport's fractured professional landscape. No major controversies marred the opening day, though whispers of course tweaks — such as extended tees on the par-3 12th — circulated among insiders. Tournament director Fred Ridley addressed the media pre-round, stating, 'We've prepared the golf course to test every facet of a player's game, while preserving its beauty.'
As the afternoon wore on, the leaderboard fluctuated. Homa's eagle stood out, but others made moves too: Xander Schauffele birdied the first four holes, according to early reports, while Collin Morikawa steadied with pars on the tough stretch. ESPN's on-site reporting highlighted the 'sights and sounds' that defined the round, from the crack of drivers off the tee to the murmurs of approval on solid approaches. One fan, interviewed by broadcasters, summed it up: 'This is golf at its purest — no distractions, just the game.'
The tournament's history provides essential context for Thursday's action. Since its inception in 1934, the Masters has crowned icons like Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods (five-time winner), and more recently Scheffler, who dominated in 2025 with a wire-to-wire victory. Augusta National, a private club that opens its doors annually for this event, enforces strict traditions: no phones allowed, green jackets for champions, and an invitation-only field. This year's edition, the 90th, comes amid golf's evolving dynamics, including the PGA Tour's negotiations with Saudi-backed LIV Golf.
Weather played a cooperative role, with clear skies prevailing after overnight showers that had prompted minor delays in setup. Officials from the club reported no significant interruptions, allowing the full field to complete their rounds by dusk. Post-round analysis from ESPN pointed to low scores on the par-5s as a key theme, with Homa's effort on eight exemplifying the opportunities available to bold players.
'Starting off the tournament with legends: Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player serve as this year's Honorary Starters. #themasters,' noted another official post, underscoring the event's reverence for its past.
Looking ahead, Friday's second round will determine who makes the cut, traditionally set at the top 50 and ties. With Scheffler aiming to defend and McIlroy eyeing history, the pressure intensifies. The tournament's broadcast, reaching millions worldwide via CBS and ESPN, continues to showcase Augusta's allure, from Rae's Creek hazards to the Butler Cabin ceremonies yet to come.
The Masters isn't just a tournament; it's a cultural touchstone, drawing parallels to events like the Kentucky Derby or Wimbledon in its blend of sport and spectacle. As the first major, it sets the tone for the season, influencing everything from FedEx Cup standings to Ryder Cup selections later in the year. For local Georgians and global fans alike, Thursday's opener reaffirmed why Augusta remains golf's sacred ground.
In the broader context of professional golf, the event arrives at a pivotal moment. Recent mergers and player movements have reshaped tours, but on the ground at Augusta, unity prevails. Ridley, in his address, emphasized inclusivity: 'The Masters brings the game together.' As rounds progress, eyes will be on whether newcomers like Viktor Hovland or veterans like Phil Mickelson can challenge the favorites.
With the leaderboard still fluid and weekend drama on the horizon, the 90th Masters has begun with promise. Homa's eagle and the honorary starters' ritual served as harbingers of excitement, reminding all why this tournament captivates. Play resumes Friday morning, with the green jacket — and immortality — in sight for the survivors.