From the Video Archives

Although the honorary starters are at Augusta National in a ceremonial capacity, they are indisputably a hefty part of the tournament’s lore. It is why patrons, media and even numerous tour pros make sure to arrive plenty early Thursday morning and head to the first tee as soon as allowed to grab a spot. It is watching history in person. The tradition began in 1963 with Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod tabbed to do the honors. For nearly a decade leading up to that year, the pair often played nine or 18 holes together before withdrawing. The move to honorary starters merely formalized the arrangement. Although neither won the Masters, both were major championship winners and had a connection to Augusta National. Hutchison won the 1937 PGA Seniors’ Championship and McLeod won the same event a year later—the only two times the tournament was held at Augusta National. Hutchison held the role through 1973 when he was 88 years old. McLeod continued alone until 1976 when he was 93. (courtesy of Golf Digest)