Jack Nicklaus Followed In Epic Behind-The-Scenes Masters Honorary Starters' Video

The Masters released an incredible video that showed the 18-time Major winner prior to the Honorary Starter tradition

Nicklaus puts his arm around his wife and also poses on the first tee at Augusta National
(Image credit: The Masters)

Over the last few years, Augusta National have really started to ramp up their online content surrounding the iconic golf course and The Masters, with Dude Perfect and Bryson DeChambeau filmed taking on the famous Amen Corner in 2022.

Now, in 2023, we have been given yet another glimpse into Augusta National, this time though with the Honorary Starter tradition, specifically behind-the-scenes footage of Jack Nicklaus preparing for the opening tee shot.

In a tweet captioned "the Honorary Starters as never seen before... Through Jack's eyes. #themasters," we see Nicklaus appearing with his wife Barbara, as the couple head down to Augusta National's range.

On the range, we see many humorous quips from the six-time Green Jacket winner, such as Nicklaus attempting to put a golf glove on before jokingly saying "I can't put this glove on, I've just seen it's a right-handed glove!" Striking some chip shots, you still see his passion for the game, especially when Nicklaus starts talking to his fellow starter, Tom Watson.

The most poignant moment though comes when Nicklaus walks with his longtime partner, Barbara.  The 83-year-old puts his arm around her as they walk towards the first tee box. Barbara, who is donning the traditional white boiler suit with her husband's name on the back, hands him the golf ball which he gave to her on the practice range whilst warming up.

Player, Watson, Nicklaus stand on the first tee

Gary Player, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus pose on the tee following the Honorary Starter tradition

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The video closes with the 18-time Major winner striking his tee shot in the presence of Watson, Gary Player, Augusta National Chairman, Fred Ridley, as well as hundreds of patrons surrounding the tee.

In the last shot, Nicklaus once again fires off a quip, as he states "unfortunately, we've got to get off the tee because they have got play coming along", with the parting shot being the American in his Green Jacket alongside Barbara as they're driven away in a golf cart.

It's a very poignant and fascinating video, something which not many would have seen beforehand, with multiple users commenting on it as it was posted. One tweeted: "When you get 5 minutes watch this, amazing..." whilst many responded saying "Great!"

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x