Jack Nicklaus' 1986 Masters Win Still Resonates 40 Years Later

The Golden Bear's final major championship victory at age 46 cemented his legacy at Augusta National.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:11pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the final moments of Jack Nicklaus' 1986 Masters victory, with overlapping planes of vibrant green, gold, and blue capturing the energy and drama of his dramatic comeback.Nicklaus' improbable 1986 Masters triumph cemented his legacy as one of golf's all-time greats.Augusta Today

Forty years ago, a 46-year-old Jack Nicklaus defied the odds and won his sixth Masters Tournament title, cementing his legacy as one of golf's all-time greats. Nicklaus' come-from-behind victory on the back nine on Sunday is remembered as one of the most iconic moments in Masters history, with the Golden Bear making a dramatic charge to overtake Seve Ballesteros and claim the green jacket one last time.

Why it matters

Nicklaus' 1986 Masters win is considered one of the greatest achievements in golf history. At 46 years old, he became the oldest player to ever win the prestigious tournament, solidifying his status as the most dominant player of his era and one of the sport's all-time legends. The victory also highlighted Nicklaus' unparalleled longevity and ability to perform at the highest level even late in his career.

The details

Nicklaus entered the 1986 Masters as more of an afterthought than a favorite, having not won a major championship in six years. But the 46-year-old found his groove on the back nine on Sunday, shooting a blistering 30 to overcome a six-shot deficit and claim his sixth green jacket. Nicklaus' son, Jackie, was on the bag that day, adding to the poignancy of the moment.

  • Nicklaus won his sixth Masters title on April 13, 1986.
  • It was Nicklaus' 28th appearance at the Masters Tournament.
  • Nicklaus' last major championship victory prior to the 1986 Masters was the 1980 U.S. Open and PGA Championship.

The players

Jack Nicklaus

A legendary professional golfer who is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, having won a record 18 major championships, including 6 Masters titles.

Seve Ballesteros

A Spanish professional golfer who was a five-time major champion and one of Nicklaus' main rivals during his prime.

Jackie Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus' son, who served as his caddie during the 1986 Masters victory.

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What they’re saying

“Absolutely number one”

— Jack Nicklaus

“All of a sudden I found a little lightning in a bottle, and it was kinda fun to find that”

— Jack Nicklaus

“The one putt I remember him making was the one he ran after. He knew it was in the hole”

— Brian Watkins, Patron

“My father was here in 86 and my uncle worked security on #4 tee box. My father was in a wheelchair and he pushed him all over the course and they were at 17 when he hit the putt”

— Stan Hales, Patron

“My dad, huge Jack Nicklaus fan. He went and got his hat, his golf hat, put his golf hat on. He sat on the edge of his chair the whole time. I've never seen him so excited”

— Tony Proto, Patron

What’s next

The 2026 Masters Tournament will feature a special ceremony and tribute to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Jack Nicklaus' historic 1986 victory.

The takeaway

Jack Nicklaus' improbable 1986 Masters win at age 46 cemented his legacy as one of the greatest golfers of all time. His dramatic comeback on the back nine to claim his sixth green jacket is considered one of the most iconic moments in the history of the sport, transcending generations of golf fans and cementing Nicklaus' status as a true legend of the game.