- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Jack Nicklaus, 46, wins Masters with dramatic comeback
The golf legend becomes the oldest major champion with a record-setting final round at Augusta National.
Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:20am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
At age 46, golf legend Jack Nicklaus delivered a timeless performance to win the Masters, becoming the oldest major champion in history. Nicklaus shot a blistering 6-under-par 30 on the back nine, including an eagle on the 15th hole and a dramatic birdie putt on 17, to complete an improbable comeback victory at Augusta National.
Why it matters
Nicklaus' victory at the 1986 Masters is considered one of the greatest moments in sports history. At an age when most golfers have long since retired, Nicklaus proved he could still compete at the highest level and win the most prestigious tournament in golf.
The details
With his son Jack Jr. on the bag, Nicklaus caught fire on the back nine, making an eagle on the 15th hole and nearly holing out on the 16th. He then drained a 12-foot birdie putt on 17 to take the lead, setting up a triumphant walk up the 18th fairway as the crowd roared. Nicklaus said he had never felt such emotion in a tournament victory.
- Nicklaus shot a then-record 6-under-par 30 on the back nine.
- Nicklaus made an eagle on the 15th hole.
- Nicklaus buried a 12-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole.
The players
Jack Nicklaus
Considered the greatest golfer of all time, Nicklaus won a record 18 major championships over his legendary career.
Jack Nicklaus Jr.
Nicklaus' son, who caddied for his father during the 1986 Masters victory.
What they’re saying
“I had felt the same kind of emotion three other times in tournaments, but not like this. To have it happen here, at Augusta, well... the sound as you walked from green to tee was deafening. I couldn't hear a thing.”
— Jack Nicklaus
The takeaway
Nicklaus' improbable victory at the 1986 Masters, at the age of 46, cemented his legacy as the greatest golfer of all time and one of the most iconic moments in sports history.
