AUGUSTA, Ga. — Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson continued the Masters tradition that began in 1960 as “Honorary Starters’’ early Thursday morning, all hitting tee shots off the first hole to begin the tournament.

 And afterward, the three took some verbal jabs at LIV Golf.

 Nicklaus offered a sharp-tongued dismissive answer when asked about Phil Mickelson’s form at age 54.

Jack Nicklaus celebrates during his honorary tee shot at The Masters on April 10, 2025. REUTERS

Form left: Honorary Starters Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson stand with their caddies as they pose on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025. AP

 “I don’t know what level Phil is competing at,’’ the six-time Masters champion said. “I guess he’s still playing. He’s playing the LIV tour, is he? I don’t know if he’s playing or not. You never see him anymore.

 “Phil has been competitive in an odd event here and there but not really in the last few years.’’

 Mickelson, a three-time Masters winner, opened the tournament with a 3-over 75 Thursday.

Phil Mickelson reacts after missing a putt on the sixth hole during the first round of The Masters on April 10, 2025. REUTERS

Phil Mickelson hits a shot out of a bunker on the second hole during the first round of The Masters on April 10, 2025. Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

 “They made their choice to play on their own tour, and that’s where they are right now,’’ Player said. “I don’t see a real working mechanism for the two tours (PGA Tour and LIV) to get back together.’’

 Nicklaus, 85, said he believes “LIV pushed the PGA Tour into doing some things that were a little premature for the PGA Tour. But the PGA Tour is doing fine. They’re making new stars for the game.’’

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