Jack Nicklaus nearly hits Masters patrons with errant ceremonial tee shot
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Jack Nicklaus gave Masters patrons a quick scare Thursday when his ceremonial tee shot veered a bit of too shut for consolation.
The legendary golfer and 18-time main winner had a warning for patrons at Augusta National as he lined up his shot, and it proved to be warranted.
Jack Nicklaus hits the ceremonial tee shot on the primary gap in the course of the first spherical of the Masters golf match at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 9, 2026. (David J. Phillip/AP)
“Oh boy, watch out,” Nicklaus, 86, stated as he approached the tee. “And I don’t mean that facetiously.”
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Unlike 90-year-old Gary Player’s shot, which went proper down the center of the primary fairway, Nicklaus’ shot went left of the tee field and low, simply barely clearing the heads of the patrons wanting on.
“I said, ‘Spread out on both sides because I don’t want to kill anybody,'” Nicklaus stated afterward. “If it’d been a little closer I might have.”
Tom Watson, 76, rounded out the ceremonial tee shot with one other drive proper down the center.
Jack Nicklaus hits the ceremonial tee shot on the primary gap in the course of the first spherical of the Masters golf match at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 9, 2026. (Gerald Herbert/AP)
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Nicklaus hopes to be included within the custom for so long as he is capable of. After present process carpal tunnel surgical procedure round six weeks in the past, the six-time Masters champ He stated he was uncertain if he’d make it to the tee field.
“I was worried about being able to hold onto the golf club and hurt someone,” he stated. “I’m fortunate that I got it over somebody’s head. I didn’t hit it very well, but I got it over their heads and didn’t anybody hurt. As long as I can still hit the golf ball.”
He admitted to taking part in golf simply as soon as final 12 months and once more in February.
Jack Nicklaus hits the ceremonial tee shot on the primary gap in the course of the first spherical of the Masters on April 9, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP)
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“It’s such a nice ceremony, and it’s a real honor to be invited,” Nicklaus added. “I hope to be able to do it as long as I can’t kill anybody.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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