Jack Nicklaus at the 1986 Masters: The Greatest Comeback in Golf History
On April 13, 1986, Jack Nicklaus was 46 years old, had not won a major championship in six years, and was not considered a serious contender at the Masters Tournament. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution had published a column that week essentially calling his career over. He had it taped to his refrigerator.
What happened that Sunday afternoon at Augusta National is the most celebrated round of golf ever played.
The Setup
Nicklaus entered the final round four strokes off the lead. The leaderboard was stacked with players in their prime: Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Kite, Nick Price. Nicklaus was playing in the penultimate pairing, which meant the leaders would be watching his round unfold in real time.
He made the turn at 35 — solid, unremarkable. He was still four back with nine holes to play. The column on his refrigerator looked prophetic.
The Back Nine
Then the back nine happened.
Nicklaus birdied the 9th. He birdied the 10th. He made a crucial par save on 11. At the par-5 13th, he eagled. The leaderboard was moving. The Augusta crowd — famous for its polite restraint — began to make noise that could be heard across the golf course.
The 16th hole is where it became legend. Nicklaus hit a 5-iron to within three feet of the hole. He made the birdie. CBS broadcaster Vern Lundquist delivered what became the most famous call in golf broadcasting history:
"Yes sir!"
The gallery erupted. Nicklaus pumped his fist. His son Jackie, caddying for him that day, embraced him on the green. It was one of the most unguarded displays of emotion Augusta had ever seen from its greatest champion.
The Final Numbers
Nicklaus shot a final-round 65 — six under par. He finished at 9-under for the tournament. The leaders, watching from behind, had to play knowing exactly what they needed to catch him. Norman needed a birdie on 18 to tie; he made bogey. Kite missed a chip on 18. Ballesteros made a bogey on 15 that ended his chances.
Jack Nicklaus won his sixth Masters title and his 18th major championship. He remains the oldest player ever to win the Masters. He was 46 years old.
Why It Still Matters
The 1986 Masters is not just the greatest round Jack Nicklaus ever played. It is the greatest argument golf has ever made for itself as a sport. It said: experience matters. Patience matters. The game is long enough that a 46-year-old can beat the best players in the world on the sport's biggest stage.
Golf fans who were alive for it remember exactly where they were. That is the definition of a moment that transcends the game.
"Yes sir."
→ "Yes Sir!" Jack Nicklaus '86 Masters T-Shirt
→ Arnie and Jack — Canvas Golf Art
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Jack Nicklaus when he won the 1986 Masters?
Jack Nicklaus was 46 years old when he won the 1986 Masters Tournament. He remains the oldest player ever to win the Masters, and the oldest major champion in the modern era of professional golf.
What was Jack Nicklaus's score in the 1986 Masters?
Nicklaus shot a final-round 65 (six under par) and finished the tournament at 9-under par, winning by one stroke over Tom Kite and Greg Norman.
Who said "Yes Sir" at the 1986 Masters?
CBS broadcaster Vern Lundquist delivered the call as Nicklaus's birdie putt dropped on the 16th hole during the final round. It is widely considered the most famous call in golf broadcasting history.
How many times did Jack Nicklaus win the Masters?
Jack Nicklaus won the Masters Tournament six times: 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986. His six Masters titles are the most in tournament history.
How many major championships did Jack Nicklaus win?
Jack Nicklaus won 18 major championships over his career, a record that stood for decades and remains the benchmark against which every great golfer is measured.
