Jack Nicklaus 1986 Masters 25-and-under

The Golden Bear: 18 major titles, a record that still stands.

Jack William Nicklaus (born January 21, 1940), nicknamed "the Golden Bear", is an American retired professional golfer and golf course designer. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. He won 117 professional tournaments in his career, including a record 18 major championships. He is an inductee of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Quick Facts

Event: The Masters Tournament, 1986
Venue: Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia
Historic distinction: Oldest major champion in golf history at the time
Nickname: The Golden Bear

Lore & Background

At age 46, Nicklaus won his final major championship at the 1986 Masters Tournament, which was a record sixth Masters title. He overtook Bobby Jones's record of 13 majors, and became the first player to complete double and triple career grand slams.

Reader's Guide

Nicklaus won the U.S. Amateur in 1959 and 1961 and finished second in the 1960 U.S. Open, two shots behind Arnold Palmer. He turned professional in 1961 at age 21. He won his first professional victory at the 1962 U.S. Open, defeating Palmer by three shots in an 18-hole playoff. In 1966, Nicklaus became the first player to win the Masters Tournament in back-to-back years; he also won the 1963 PGA Championship and the 1966 Open Championship, becoming at age 26 the youngest player at the time to complete the career grand slam.