Jack Nicklaus almost hits Masters patrons with errant ceremonial tee shots

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Jack Nicklaus gave Masters patrons a brief scare Thursday when his ceremonial tee shot swung a little too close for comfort.

The legendary golfer and 18-time major winner had a warning for guests at Augusta National when he lined up his shot, and it proved to be justified.

Jack Nicklaus hits the ceremonial tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 9, 2026. (David J. Phillip/AP)

“Oh boy, watch out,” Nicklaus, 86, said as he approached the tee. “And I don’t mean ugly.”

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Unlike 90-year-old Gary Player’s shot, which went straight down the middle of the first fairway, Nicklaus’ shot went left of the tee and low, barely clearing the heads of the onlookers.

“I said, ‘Spread out on both sides, because I don’t want to kill anybody,'” Nicklaus said afterward. “If it had been a little closer, I might have been.”

Tom Watson, 76, rounded off the ceremonial tee shot with another drive down the middle.

Jack Nicklaus hits the ceremonial tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 9, 2026. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

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Nicklaus hopes to be included in the tradition as long as he can. After undergoing carpal tunnel surgery about six weeks ago, the six-time Masters champion said he was unsure about making it to the tee box.

“I was worried about being able to hold onto the golf club and hurt someone,” he said. “I’m lucky I got it over somebody’s head. I didn’t hit it very well, but I got it over their head and didn’t hurt anybody. As long as I can still hit the golf ball.”

He admitted he only played golf once last year and again in February.