The 1986 Masters: Hole by Hole Through Jack Nicklaus's Greatest Round
April 13, 1986. Jack Nicklaus was 46 years old, four shots off the lead, and not considered a serious contender by any commentator covering the tournament. By 6 p.m. he had shot 65 and won his sixth Masters title. Here is what happened, hole by hole.
The Setup
Entering the final round, Nicklaus trailed Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Kite, and Nick Price. The leaderboard was stacked with players in their prime. Nicklaus was playing in the penultimate pairing. The newspapers had written him off that week — one columnist had called his career effectively over.
He made the turn at 35, one over par on the day. He was still four back. Then the back nine happened.
Hole 9 — Birdie
Nicklaus birdied the 9th hole to start his charge. The crowd began to pay attention.
Hole 10 — Birdie
Another birdie. Two in a row. The leaderboard was beginning to show movement.
Hole 11 — Par Save
The 11th at Augusta is where Masters dreams die — a long par 4 with Rae's Creek protecting the green. Nicklaus made his par. Staying in it.
Hole 13 — Eagle
The par-5 13th is Augusta's reachable birdie hole. Nicklaus eagled it. The gallery erupted. The sound carried across the course. The players ahead of him could hear it.
Hole 15 — Birdie
Another birdie on the second par 5 of the Amen Corner stretch. Nicklaus was now within striking distance.
Hole 16 — The Putt
The par-3 16th. Nicklaus hit a 5-iron to within three feet. As the ball tracked toward the hole, he bent forward and watched. When it dropped, he raised his putter and pumped his fist. CBS broadcaster Vern Lundquist said the two words that would define the moment forever:
"Yes sir!"
The gallery at Augusta — famous for its restraint — produced a roar that the players throughout the course could hear. His son Jackie, caddying for him that day, embraced his father on the green. It was the most unguarded display of emotion Augusta had ever seen from its greatest champion.
Holes 17 and 18 — Holding On
Nicklaus birdied 17 and made par at 18. Final score: 65. Total: 9-under par.
The leaders needed to match or beat him coming in. Greg Norman needed birdie on 18 to tie — he made bogey. Tom Kite missed a chip on 18. Seve Ballesteros made bogey on 15. One by one, the field fell short.
What It Meant
Nicklaus won his 18th major championship. He was the oldest Masters champion in history, a record that still stands. The tournament is routinely cited as the greatest final round in major championship history — not because of the score, but because of everything surrounding it. The age. The comeback. The son carrying the bag. The "Yes sir." Augusta has produced hundreds of memorable moments since 1934. None has matched this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jack Nicklaus shoot in his final round at the 1986 Masters?
Jack Nicklaus shot 65 (six under par) in his final round at the 1986 Masters, finishing at 9-under par total and winning by one shot over Tom Kite and Greg Norman.
How old was Jack Nicklaus when he won the 1986 Masters?
Jack Nicklaus was 46 years old when he won the 1986 Masters. He remains the oldest Masters champion in history.
Who said "Yes Sir" at the 1986 Masters?
CBS broadcaster Vern Lundquist said "Yes sir!" as Nicklaus's birdie putt dropped on the 16th hole during the final round. It is considered the most famous call in golf broadcasting history.