Jack Nicklaus Thrills As He Makes Hole-In-One At Masters Par-3 Competition

Jack Nicklaus, who is widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time, thrilled fans Wednesday when he teed up during the annual Masters par-3 contest and shot a hole-in-one, his first at Augusta National.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the six-time Masters champion estimated the distance to be 123 yards. With water to cross and a breeze in his face, Jack Nicklaus — who is lovingly nicknamed the “Golden Bear” — stepped up to the fourth tee and shot a beautiful drive that landed on the green about 20 feet beyond the pin, bounced, and then rolled back, straight into the hole.

Nicklaus later told reporters that Wednesday’s shot was his first hole-in-one at the famous course in Georgia that is home to The Masters.

“I never had a hole-in-one at Augusta.”

Although the 75-year-old retired golfer does not have the graceful swing that he once had, he still managed to demonstrate his renowned finesse at the game.

Jack Nicklaus told reporters that he may have called his shot even before he hit the links Wednesday morning, according to the Associated Press.

”It’s funny, I had an interview this morning and I said, ‘Well, all I’ve got to do is go out and win the Par-3 and make a hole-in-one,’ and I make a hole-in-one.”

Nicklaus’ shot was greeted with a roar from the crowd and hearty high-fives from partners for the day, Gary Player and Ben Crenshaw, who may have been just as excited as Jack.

Throughout the day, five other holes-in-one were made during the par-3 competition, including two from Camilo Villegas.

Jack Nicklaus, who graduated from Ohio State University, won 18 major championships during his 25-year career.

More recently, the champion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, joining Bryon Nelson and Arnold Palmer to become the third golfer to do so, according to the Washington Post.

PGA Tour announcer Jim Nantz spoke highly of the Golden Bear during the ceremony at the U.S. Capital to present Nicklaus with the prestigious award that honors those “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.”

“He has been an American treasure and our gift to the world.”

The Masters gets underway Thursday at Augusta and finishes up on Sunday with the donning of the famous green jacket, which is awarded to the champion of the tournament each year.

[Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images Sport]