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Jack Nicklaus gave patrons at the Masters a brief scare Thursday when his ceremonial tee shot came a little too close for comfort.
The legendary golfer and 18-time major winner had a warning for patrons at Augusta National as he lined up his shot, and it proved justified.
Jack Nicklaus hits the ceremonial tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 9, 2026. (David J. Phillip/AP)
“Oh my God, be careful,” Nicklaus, 86, said as he approached the tee. “And I don’t mean that in a facetious way.”
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Unlike 90-year-old Gary Player’s shot, which was fired right down the middle of the first fairway, Nicklaus’ shot went left of the tee and low, barely going past the heads of watching patrons.
“I said, ‘Split yourself into both sides because I don’t want to kill anyone,'” Nicklaus said afterward. “If it had been a little closer, maybe I would have done it.”
Tom Watson, 76, completed the ceremonial tee shot with another drive right down the middle.
Jack Nicklaus hits the ceremonial tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 9, 2026. (Gérald Herbert/AP)
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Nicklaus hopes to stay included in the tradition as long as he can. After undergoing carpal tunnel surgery about six weeks ago, the six-time Masters champion said he wasn’t sure he’d make it to the tee box.
“I was afraid I might get caught on the golf club and hurt someone,” he said. “I’m lucky I swung it over someone’s head. I didn’t hit it very well, but I swung it over their head and didn’t hurt anyone. As long as I can still hit the golf ball.”
He admitted to playing golf only once last year and again in February.
Jack Nicklaus hits the ceremonial tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Masters, April 9, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP)
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“It’s a beautiful ceremony and it’s a real honor to be invited,” Nicklaus added. “I hope I can do it as long as I can’t kill anyone.”
