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Nicklaus keeps sense of humor after wayward opening tee shot at Masters
Jack Nicklaus. Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Jack Nicklaus keeps sense of humor after wayward opening tee shot at 2026 Masters

By Clark Dalton  |  Last updated Apr 9, 2026 1:38 PM ET

We won't count that one on the scorecard, Jack Nicklaus. 

The Masters in Augusta, Ga., began on Thursday. Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player kicked off the four-day tournament with the ceremonial opening tee shots. "The Golden Bear's" swing didn't go smoothly. 

Nicklaus sliced the ball to his left as it cleared over the heads of patrons and failed to hit the fairway. Let's cut the 86-year-old golfer a break. 

In a news conference, Nicklaus admitted he recently underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome "five or six weeks ago," making it harder to hold the club. The golfer could've wallowed in self-pity after, but he remained a good sport about it.

Jack Nicklaus discusses flubbed opening tee shot

"I was worried about holding onto the golf club and [hurting] somebody. That was my issue today," Nicklaus told the media. "I'm fortunate that I got it over somebody's head. I didn't hit it very well, but I got over their heads and didn't hurt anybody."

Nicklaus said he doesn't golf much anymore and has played once in 2026, but he still comes to the Masters because it's an honor. Nicklaus has been an honorary starter at the Masters since 2010. He's unsure how much longer he'll be able to do it. 

"I hope to be able to do it as long as I can not kill anybody," he said.

Even if Nicklaus' once-elite golf skills are slipping, the Masters should always keep its doors open for the legendary player. He won a record six green jackets — the tournament's signature award — over the course of his career. That includes his iconic run in 1986.  

Clark Dalton
X Muck Rack

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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