For golf enthusiasts, sports fans, and puzzle lovers, it’s a tale of triumph. Jack Nicklaus makes a comeback in the mid-1980s, killing doubts the ‘Golden Bear’ was losing his prized form and getting rusty.

In this blog post, we'll take a step back in time to revisit one of the most iconic moments in golf history - Nicklaus's incredible comeback win at the 1986 Masters. With his trusty 5-iron and a never-say-die attitude, Nicklaus etched his name in the annals of sports history and inspired generations of golf enthusiasts.

Let’s take a look at how Nicklaus got his king status in golf, winding his way to his legendary moment at the Masters.  

Jack Nicklaus Pre-Masters

Jack Nicklaus's Career in the Mid-1980s

By the mid-1980s Jack Nicklaus was considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. He had won 17 major championships, including five Masters titles, and had been the world's top-ranked golfer for most of the 1970s and early 1980s.

However, Nicklaus's form had begun to decline in the mid-1980s, and he hadn’t won a major championship in over two years. Many observers believed that Nicklaus was past his prime and that his best golf was behind him.

The Significance of the Masters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, and it is considered one of the four major championships in professional golf. The tournament is held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, and it is one of the most highly anticipated events in golf. The Masters is also known for its challenging course, which is designed to test the skills of even the greatest golfers.

The Other Players in the Tournament

The 1986 Masters featured a strong field of competitors, including some of the best golfers in the world. Tom Watson, who had won the Masters in 1977 and 1981, was one of the favorites to win. Other top contenders included Bernhard Langer, who had won the Masters in 1985, and Raymond Floyd, who had won the tournament in 1976. Overall, the 1986 Masters was shaping up to be a highly competitive and exciting tournament, with many of the world's top golfers vying for the coveted green jacket. But as the tournament progressed, it became clear that Jack Nicklaus was on a mission to prove that he still had what it took to win a major championship.

The Final Round of the 1986 Masters

Nicklaus's Strong Start

As the final round of the 1986 Masters began, Jack Nicklaus was determined to make a strong start. He knew that he needed to get off to a good start if he wanted to have any chance of catching up to the leaders. And that's exactly what he did. Nicklaus birdied the first hole, and then he made a long putt for birdie on the second hole to move into a tie for second place.

The Turning Point

As Nicklaus made his way around the course, he continued to play steady golf, making several more birdies and avoiding mistakes. But the turning point of the round came on the 17th hole. Nicklaus hit a beautiful 5-iron shot to within 18 feet of the hole, and then he sank the putt for birdie to take the lead. The crowd went wild, and Nicklaus knew that he had a real chance to win. In all, he managed six birdies and an eagle over the last 10 holes to pull out a dramatic finish at the tournament.

The Aftermath

The crowd erupted in cheers as Nicklaus celebrated his victory. He was mobbed by his family and friends, and he was overcome with emotion. Nicklaus had proven that he was still a force to be reckoned with in golf, and he had cemented his place as one of the greatest golfers of all time. The 1986 Masters was a moment that Nicklaus and his fans would never forget, and it would go down in history as one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.

A Legend Remembered

The 1986 Masters was a momentous occasion that will be remembered for generations to come. The ‘Golden Bear’s’ dramatic comeback and victory inspired a new generation of golfers and sports enthusiasts, and it helped to popularize golf and golf sports puzzles. It still serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and determination. For golf enthusiasts, sports fans, or sports puzzle lovers, Nicklaus’ immortal shot is a moment that will always be remembered and celebrated.

Source:

1986 Masters Tournament Final Round Broadcast.

This Masters stands alone for its legendary calls. Sports Illustrated