Jack Nicklaus Masters tee shot was the last time he played golf

Jack Nicklaus revealed he ‘hasn’t swung a golf club’ since the ceremonial tee shots at this year’s Masters.

And the 83-year-old isn’t sure when the next time will be either according to the Palm Beach Post.

The 18-time major-winning legend recently held a clinic at PGA National with Annika Sorenstam, Ernie Els and Luke Donald – leaving his clubs at home.

Having reached such heights during his illustrious career, Nicklaus was downbeat about his game when speaking from Palm Beach Gardens in Florida.

“I would like to go play again,” Nicklaus said. “I play so poorly anymore it’s just really not any fun. And I run out of golf balls.

“People always say they want to play how I do. Well, now they can. In fact, I don’t think (they) want to play like I do.”

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Nicklaus, Sorenstam, Els and Donald contributed to the clinic before the Conquer Cancer Foundation’s Integra Connect Golf Classic.

The Golden Bear reportedly told stories to visitors about Arnold Palmer and Ben Hogan and shared jokes with Sorenstam – regarded by many as the greatest women’s player to pick up a club.

Perhaps the American finally plays a game relatable to us regular mortals after dominating the professional sphere for so long.

No player has matched his mark of majors yet, and the odds continue to stack against his closest pursuer Tiger Woods who has won 15 of them.

Nicklaus staggeringly finished runner-up 19 times in golf’s big four events, as well as winning 120 times in his career altogether.

Woods’ last major triumph came at the Masters in 2019, a tournament where Nicklaus won six Green Jackets and where he graces his presence by taking a ceremonial drive before the first round.

Tom Watson joined him and Gary Player for this special tradition for the first time in 2022 and then again back in April.

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The Jack Nicklaus Swing is iconic! What is your favourite Jack Nicklaus Masters memory? Tell us on X!

Matt Chivers

Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.

Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.

Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.

Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.

Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.

What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.