Jack Nicklaus watches his putt drop for a birdie on the 17th hole at Augusta National Golf Course on April 13, 1986. The shot gave him the lead and ultimately, his sixth Masters title. (Associated Press)
Hall honors Nicklaus' No. 6
Web posted 04/03/00
In 40 years of Masters competition, Jack Nicklaus has given golf fans enough memories to last a lifetime.
The six-time Masters champion has celebrated each of his victories in different ways, probably none more famous than in 1986, when he thrust his putter skyward after making a key birdie on the 17th hole.
Today, that memory of Nicklaus will become permanent with the scheduled unveiling of a statue at the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. The bronze sculpture, created by Blair Buswell of Highland, Utah, and sponsored by The Augusta Chronicle, depicts Nicklaus in the famous pose after his birdie putt capped a final-round 65 and a comeback victory at age 46.
The 11 a.m. ceremony is scheduled for the Commons Area of the Augusta Golf and Gardens project on Reynolds Street. Possible inclement weather may threaten the event if Nicklaus is unable to fly from his Florida home this morning.
Nicklaus will be the sixth golfer honored with a sculpture by the hall of fame. Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Raymond Floyd and Arnold Palmer statues have already been unveiled.
The Nicklaus sculpture will be displayed at the Golf Hall of Fame for 24 hours, then it will be moved to the Radisson Riverfront Hotel Augusta's second floor for the rest of Masters Week.
After the Nicklaus ceremony, the Golf and Gardens will be open to the public until 2 p.m.
