Jack Nicklaus Mocks Himself for Flubbed Masters Kickoff Swing

Q: What happened to Jack Nicklaus during the Masters on April 9, 2026?

Jack Nicklaus struggled with his swing as the honorary starter at the Masters, which he later laughed off in a press conference.

Q: Why did Jack Nicklaus have difficulty with his swing at the Masters?

He had recently undergone carpal tunnel surgery, which raised concerns about his ability to hold onto the golf club.

Q: What did Jack Nicklaus say about his participation in the Masters?

He described it as an honor to be included in the tournament and expressed a desire to continue participating as long as he doesn't pose a danger to others.

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."

"It's such a nice ceremony and it's a real honor to be invited," he said before joking, "I hope that I can do it as long as I don't kill anybody."

Nicklaus was joined by three-time Masters champ Gary Player and two-time winner Tom Watson as honorary starters at the tournament on Thursday.

Days before the Masters kicked off, Nicklaus expressed his concern for Tiger Woods in an interview with The Palm Beach Post after Woods, 50, was arrested for alleged DUI.

"Sometimes you get, you know, too far down the line, and you just need somebody to help you," Nicklaus said to the Post. "I think he probably needs some help, and we all want to help him. We're all on his side."

Nicklaus also said he believes Woods, who was found with two opioid pills in his pocket after the March 27 crash, police alleged in their arrest affidavit, wouldn't be taking painkillers "if he didn't need them."

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