Jack Nicklaus Mocks Himself for Flubbed Masters Kickoff Swing

Jack Nicklaus at the Masters on April 9, 2026 Credit: Austin Kaseman/Augusta National/Getty NEED TO KNOW Jack Nicklaus laughed at himself after struggling with his swing as an honorary starter at the Masters on Thursday, April 9 Nicklaus shared in a press conference that he had carpal tunnel surgery weeks before and said he was "worried about being able to hold onto the golf club" The six-time Masters champ said it's an "honor" to be included in the tournament and that he'll do it "as long as I don't kill anybody" Jack Nicklaus couldn't help but laugh at himself after taking the first swing at the Masters. The 86-year-old six-time Masters champion kicked things off as an honorary starter at the tournament in Augusta, Ga. on Thursday, April 9, but Nicklaus' ceremonial first swing wasn't exactly on par with his past performances.

After his ball skewed towards spectators, Nicklaus laughed and later told reporters that he's coming off a hand surgery, per Golf Digest. "I was a little worried. I had carpal tunnel surgery about five, six weeks ago and I was worried about being able to hold onto the golf club," Nicklaus told reporters at a press conference.

Jack Nicklaus at the Masters on April 9, 2026 Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty "I was fortunate that I got it over somebody's head. I didn't hit it very well but I got it over their heads and didn't hurt anybody," Nicklaus continued, explaining that he doesn't get out onto the course as much these days. "I played once this year.

I played in February, and I played once last year," he said, adding, "I don't really play golf anymore. " According to Golf Digest , Nicklaus said he told his caddie to "spread out on both sides because I don't want to kill anybody," and added, "I don't know what was running through my mind other than not hurt anybody, but it's always a great privilege and an honor to do that and start off the Masters. " "I hope to be able to do it as long as I can not kill anybody.