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Jack Nicklaus gave Masters patrons a brief scare Thursday when his ceremonial tee shot deflected too close for comfort.
The legendary golfer and 18-time major winner gave a warning to patrons at Augusta National while lining up his shot, and it turned out to be 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, on April 9, 2026. (David J. Phillip/AP)
“Oh, boy, watch out,” Nicklaus, 86, said as he approached the tee. “And I don’t mean that jokingly.”
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Unlike 90-year-old Gary Player’s shot, which went right down the middle of the first fairway, Nicklaus’ shot went left of the tee box and low, barely clearing the heads of watching patrons.
“I said, ‘Spread out on 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 up 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, on April 9, 2026. (Gerald Herbert/AP)
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Nicklaus hopes to be included in the tradition for 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 would be able to make it to the tee box.
“I was worried I would grab the golf club and hurt someone,” he said. “I’m lucky to be able to go over someone’s head. I didn’t hit them very well, but I did go over their heads 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 on April 9, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP)
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“It’s a very 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.”
