Not often does a golf tournament garner a nickname that is simply the last two digits of the year in which it was played. However, when people talk about 46-year old Jack Nicklaus capturing his final major championship on Sunday, April 13, 1986 - capping off one of the most legendary performances in sport and arguably the most exciting final round in Masters history - all they have to say is "'86."
Golf Channel will commemorate the 30-year anniversary of Nicklaus' historic victory at the 1986 Masters with '86, a one-hour special premiering in primetime Masters week that tells the full story of the week and Nicklaus' memorable come-from-behind victory to secure his record 18th major championship victory and record sixth Green Jacket. Highlighted by a final-round 65 and a 6-under-par 30 on the final nine holes, Nicklaus became the oldest winner of the Masters at age 46 and the second-oldest winner of any major championship in history.
As a part of the special,
Golf Channel is asking fans to share their own personal stories in regards to the 1986 Masters, including answering the question: "Where was I" on that historic Sunday 30 years ago, at
GolfChannel.com/Jack. Select story submissions will be featured in '86.
"Nicklaus' remarkable comeback win is one of those rare moments in sports where we remember exactly where we were and what we were doing on that Sunday three decades ago," said Keith Allo,
Golf Channel vice president of programming development and original productions. "To help celebrate this anniversary, we are eager to hear recollections from fans who were watching history in the making."
'86 is being produced by
Golf Channel Films, which has developed award-winning, critically acclaimed long-form documentaries and specials including the Emmy-nominated Payne; the three-part documentary
ARNIE and a follow-up fourth installment,
ARNIE & Me; and Ben Crenshaw: A Walk Through Augusta.
'86 will include interviews with Nicklaus and his family, friends, fellow professionals, caddies, members of the media, volunteers and patrons who were on hand. In addition, this
Golf Channel Films project will paint a picture of the world's cultural climates at the time, giving viewers insight into the significance of the victory.
Nicklaus' memorable victory came 23 years after he donned his first Green Jacket, and put an exclamation point on a 25-year period in which he won his 18 majors. The Golden Bear's final round in '86 was highlighted by an eagle-birdie-birdie streak at Nos. 15, 16 and 17 for the second-nine 30. GOLF Magazine called the Nicklaus' win the "Best Tournament of the 20th Century." GolfWorld called it the "Greatest Masters Tournament" in history, and the final-round 65 the "Greatest Final Round in Major Championship" history. Golf Digest ranked '86 as one of the "10 Defining Moments in Golf History."
In his Masters career from 1959-2005, Nicklaus made 45 starts, winning in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and '86. He also holds records for the most top-5, top-10, and top-25 finishes at Augusta National. Even 30 years removed from his final Masters' victory, and more than 10 years after his final round at Augusta National, Nicklaus owns or is tied for no fewer than 35 Masters' records.
Image courtesy of Golf Channel
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