'A great privilege': Honorary starter Nicklaus has son as caddie on 40th anniversary of 1986 win

Apr. 9—AUGUSTA — Jack Nicklaus rolled back the clock like it was 1986.

He had oldest son, Jack II, on his bag. He had his wife, Barbara, and other family members in the gallery.

Patrons lining the first hole cheered loudly as Nicklaus arrived at the first hole April 9.

Then, he hit a tee shot as one of the honorary starters to begin the 90th Masters Tournament. That's where the similarities to 1986 ended.

His son teed up the ball for him.

"That's why I brought back my caddie," Nicklaus said, referencing their partnership in winning the 1986 Masters.

Nicklaus hit his tee shot low and left, but it didn't matter.

"You got it airborne," Tom Watson said.

"Barely," Nicklaus replied.

Watson then followed Nicklaus, and noticed the tee was still in the ground and asked Nicklaus if he could use it.

"That's why I left it," Nicklaus said.

Gary Player, Nicklaus and Watson all hit tee shots in the ceremony that is a cherished rite of spring. Thousands ringed the first hole on a chilly morning to see the three legends hit the shots, but it was Nicklaus who was in the spotlight.

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National and the Masters, introduced all three honorary starters. Combined, he said, they have 11 Masters victories and 140 appearances in the tournament.

For Nicklaus, he noted it was the 40th anniversary of his sixth and final Masters triumph in 1986.

"His historic record has provided some of the tournament's most unforgettable moments," Ridley said.

Nicklaus, who had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands in February, was less than thrilled with his tee shot but grateful he didn't hit anyone.

"I got it high enough to hit it about 110 yards over their heads on the left," he said. "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."

Nicklaus said he has no plans to retire from being an honorary starter.

"As long as I can still hit the golf ball," he said. "I don't really play golf anymore. But it's such a nice ceremony, and it's a real honor to be invited. I hope to be able to do it as long as I cannot kill anybody."

Jack II caddied for his father in 1986 and reprised the role Thursday morning, wearing the familiar white coveralls used by Augusta National caddies.

"It was fun to be out there," he said. "It's an honor, he shared '86 with me and he shared today with me."

In a news conference after the ceremony, Nicklaus was asked if the 1986 win changed his life.

"Well, I don't know whether it changed my life, but it was a nice way to finish a career, you might say, particularly here at Augusta, a place I loved throughout all the years," he said.

"I don't know if the word is verified my career, I suppose. Is that the correct word? I don't know," he said. "But it was a way that — it gained some career-ending respect, I suppose, for that and for me too. I couldn't have been more thrilled, obviously."

A number of the game's top players showed up to see the trio hit the shots, including three-time Masters winner Nick Faldo, former Open Championship winner Tom Lehman and noted coach Butch Harmon.

World Golf Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam, also an Augusta National member, was on hand, too.

"I think it's so historic to be here. He's an amazing role model in so many ways," she said of Nicklaus. "I got to know him and his family the last few years. It's very special. I'm going to cherish every time he's out."