Jack Nicklaus among golfing greats to hit ceremonial tee shots as 2026 Masters begins

• The 90th Masters tournament at Augusta National began with ceremonial tee shots from former champions Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson.
• The trio have won 11 green jackets between them, but only Nicklaus has successfully defended his title.
• Rory McIlroy is set for his own title defence and could equal Sir Nick Faldo's record of six major wins if he secures another victory at Augusta.
• Early starters included American John Keefer, China's Haotong Li, Max Homa, and two-time champion Jose Maria Olazabal.
• English golfers Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick are also competing, with Fitzpatrick paired with one of the favourites, Bryson DeChambeau.

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Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson get the 90th Masters under way