At the start of the Masters Tournament, six-time champion Jack Nicklaus opened the festivities with a ceremonial tee shot that hooked sharply left, prompting laughter from the golf great himself. Fellow honorary starter Tom Watson joked, "You didn't take a practice swing... That was your problem," before hitting his own drive straight down the fairway.
Nicklaus, 86, remained in good spirits about the shot during his press conference. He explained his primary concern was safety, quipping, "I said spread out on both sides because I don't want to kill anybody." He also mentioned recent carpal tunnel surgery as a factor.
When asked how long he intends to continue the honorary starter role, Nicklaus replied, "As long as I can still hit the golf ball... I hope to be able to do it as long as I can not kill anybody." He emphasized the honor of participating in the tradition, despite playing very little golf these days.