AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 9 - The Masters officially began today at Augusta National, with cool, clear skies greeting early starters. Defending champion Rory McIlroy and world number one Scottie Scheffler are among the prominent figures yet to tee off in the year's first major golf championship.
Honorary starters Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson kicked off the prestigious event before a large crowd at the first hole.
Notably absent this year are former champions Tiger Woods, who is on an indefinite break from golf, and Phil Mickelson, who withdrew due to a family health matter.
McIlroy, aiming to be the fourth man to retain the Masters title and the first since Tiger Woods, is scheduled to tee off at 10:31 a.m. ET. He enters the tournament with the confidence of having completed the career Grand Slam last year.
Scheffler, seeking to hold three major titles simultaneously after wins at the PGA Championship and British Open, tees off in the penultimate group at 1:44 p.m. ET.
Dry and firm conditions are expected at Augusta National, promising faster greens and potentially longer drives.
Former Masters champions Jose Maria Olazabal, Angel Cabrera, Charl Schwartzel, Vijay Singh, and Bubba Watson were among those who started play early.