NEW: Golf Icon Opens Up On Recent Health Challenges After Uncharacteristic Masters Tee Shot

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus revealed that he recently underwent surgery after an uncharacteristic ceremonial opening tee shot at the Masters on Thursday morning.

Nicklaus, who turned 86 earlier this year, has maintained a solid performance in his ceremonial role at the Masters in recent years despite his age. He has served as an opening starter since 2010 and made his 17th appearance in that capacity this year alongside Gary Player, 90, and Tom Watson, 76.

Nicklaus delivered an uncharacteristically poor tee shot during this year’s ceremony at Augusta National, however, as the ball hooked over the heads of onlookers before lining the first fairway. The shot traveled approximately 110 yards high enough to clear the crowd but lacked the distance and accuracy he has typically shown in prior years’ ceremonial starts.

🗣️ ONE OF US! 🌺 — 86-year old Jack Nicklaus had a quick hook of the first tee this morning with his breakfast ball.

The Masters is officially underway 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ksYMGI2pEk

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 9, 2026

When speaking with reporters after the ceremony, Nicklaus addressed the shot and provided complete details on his recent health situation.

“I don’t know. I was a little worried. I had carpal tunnel surgery about five, six weeks ago. I was worried about being able to hold onto the golf club and hurt somebody,” he said.

“That was my issue today. I was fortunate I got it over somebody’s head, I didn’t hit it very well. As long as I can still hit a golf ball good… Hope to do it as long as I am able to do it and not kill anybody,” the six-time Masters champion joked.

He elaborated further on his physical state and preparation, noting the surgery had been performed on both hands and that he had not swung a golf club much in the lead-up to the event.

“As long as I can still hit the golf ball,” Nicklaus said. “I played once this year, I played in February. I played once last year. I don’t really play golf anymore. But it’s such a nice ceremony, and it’s a real honor to be invited.”

Keeping it light-hearted, the 86-year-old joked that he’ll have his son, Jack Jr., place the ball on the tee going forward and have fans “spread out on both sides so I don’t kill anybody.”

“Had they been any closer, I might have. I got it high enough to get it 110 yards over their heads. I don’t know what was going through my mind other than don’t hurt anybody…. It’s a great place, a great place to be and pretty special.”

Nicklaus — who holds the all-time record with 18 major championships — has largely retired from personal golf and focuses on ceremonial roles in recent years. President Donald Trump has also tapped the golf legend to help with golf course renovations on the presidential course at Joint Base Andrews.

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