Masters legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player kick off 2019 tournament

In a recent issue of Golf Digest, Jim Nantz wrote how the annual Honorary Starter ceremony is his favorite moment in golf.

On Thursday, the famed CBS broadcaster nearly missed the occasion.

“I was galloping up the hill to make it,” Nantz said. “I’ve never seen traffic on Riverwatch Parkway like I did this morning. I made it without a second to spare.”

Photos: 2019 Masters Honorary Starters Ceremony

Thursday marked the 34th time Nantz has witnessed the opening ceremony of the Masters Tournament, admitting its prestige never fades.

“It’s such a rich moment of nostalgia,” Nantz said. “It’s a passage of time. You look at these champions — these iconic figures who you looked up to so much in your youth. For me, I’ve been fortunate to get to know them on a personal level — especially Jack (Nicklaus). But every year, this ceremony is a moment of reflection.”

For the second year in a row, Gary Player has bragging rights over Nicklaus, while both earned roaring applause from the gallery. Sure, the Golden Bear will forever own double the number of green jackets, but Player out-drove the six-time winner Thursday to kick off the 83rd Masters Tournament. He also out-drove Nicklaus in 2018.

“This is as good as it gets,” said Tim Marshall, who drove to Augusta from Akron, Ohio, earlier this week. “It’s an emotional moment to watch your heroes. I think this morning ranks right up there with Sunday afternoon.”

In addition to Nantz, ESPN broadcaster Andy North also watched the opening ceremony from beneath Augusta National’s clubhouse oak tree.

 “I have to do a segment in about 15 minutes, but you can’t miss this,” North said. “I’ve probably watched the opening ceremony 40 times and each one is special. These guys deserve our respect.”

Masters Honorary Starters: A Rare Honor

According to Nantz, Thursday was the largest gathering he’s ever seen at an opening ceremony.

“I’ve never seen this many folks,” Nantz said. “It’s tremendous. Maybe chalk it up to our reduced field and the (opening ceremony) being about a half-hour later than other years. We’ve had this as early as 7:40 a.m. but this time was 30 minutes past that. That extra half-hour allowed a lot more people to be here.”

Player, who drove first, found the left side of the fairway. Nicklaus found the first cut of rough. For Nantz, the result of the shot is irrelevant. It’s about the history.

“Enough of us have talked about, 'Hey, if you’re coming to the Masters, this is what you want to see,'” Nantz said. “You don’t want to miss the opening ceremony. This year, the people answered the call.”