Welcome back to the Masters week feature series,Traditions Unlike Any Other. Throughout the days leading up to the tournament, we will go over a couple of the traditions that take place every year at the Masters that make this such a special event.

Tradition: Beginning in 1963, the honorary starters were Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod. Both men were chosen because of their ties to Augusta National. Hutchison was a two-time major champion, but neither were a Masters. He was chosen because he won the first Senior PGA Championship, which was held at Augusta National. Hutchison held his post as honorary starter until 1973.

As for McLeod, he played in the first four Masters tournaments and hit the ceremonial opening tee shot until 1976.

Following five years devoid of the starter, Gene Sarazen and Byron Nelson took up the post in 1981.

Sarazen, of course, won the Masters in 1935 when he hit the “shot heard round the world,” an incredible double-eagle on the 15th hole. Lord Byron won the Masters twice, in 1937 and 1942.

Just three years later, Sam Snead made the opening group a three-some in 1984. Snead won three Masters and a PGA Tour record, 82 events.

Together those three started every Masters from ’84-99, before Sarazen died in May of 1999. Nelson stopped starting in 2001 due to health issues and Snead continued alone until he passed away nearly three years to the day after Sarazen later in May of 2002. Nelson lived until 2006, but was unable to act as the honorary starter.

Beginning in 2007, Arnold Palmer was chosen to be the honorary starter and joining him last year Jack Nicklaus began his reign. Gary Player is the logical next choice, and he said he would be willing to do it. Hopefully the green jackets decide to give the Big Three the due they deserve.

Always a cool tradition, the Masters is famous for remembering their past champions and this is just another example of it.

The question now becomes who will be the next generation of starters?