Jack Nicklaus Ranks His Iconic 1986 Masters Victory at Augusta
Filmogaz.com looks back at the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Masters. John Boyette first covered that tournament as a journalist.
Nicklaus reflects on his major wins
Jack Nicklaus has often been asked to rank his major victories. He told reporters that each Masters victory held its own importance.
He singled out his first Masters win in 1963 as deeply meaningful. Breaking the record in 1965 mattered a great deal. Returning to win again in 1966 was also special to him.
The 1986 comeback
The 1986 Masters marked his sixth and final green jacket. He had not won a major in 11 years before that triumph.
Nicklaus was 46 years old at Augusta. That made him the oldest champion in tournament history.
Final round and rivals
He shot a final-round 65 to secure the win. Top contenders that week included Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros and Tom Kite.
Media and public reaction
The victory generated major global coverage. Newspapers ran front-page stories and magazines changed covers to feature him.
In the pre-internet era, congratulations arrived by telegrams and handwritten notes. Then–Vice President George H.W. Bush sent a personal written message.
Enduring legacy
The 1986 win remains iconic in the eyes of many golf fans. Journalists and historians still ask Nicklaus about that moment at Augusta.
Veteran writers noted how large the story became. Four decades later, the tournament endures as a defining chapter in Nicklaus’s career.
- Event: 1986 Masters Tournament
- Location: Augusta National Golf Club
- Winner: Jack Nicklaus
- Age at victory: 46 (oldest Masters champion)
- Final-round score: 65
- Notable rivals: Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Kite
- Significance: Sixth and final Masters win; ended an 11-year major drought
