McIlroy ready for early start as 90th Masters beginsSouth African legend Gary Player, 90, hits one of the ceremonial opening tee shots at Augusta to begin the 90th Masters. (Photo: AFP)AUGUSTA, Georgia - Defending champion Rory McIlroy was set for an early start on Thursday as golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson made ceremonial tee shots to begin the 90th Masters. Golf’s elder icons drew applause from a crowd gathered near the first tee in the early morning light for the honorary starters. Conditions are expected to produce a hard surface with lightning-fast greens where approach shots will struggle to stay in position. American Xander Schauffele and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick are among other past major winners expected to contend.

Source: Bangkok Post April 09, 2026 12:47 UTC