Jack Nicklaus fans still turn out strong

Though he hasn’t competed in the Masters Tournament since 2005, Jack Nicklaus still draws crowds at Augusta National Golf Club most golfers only dream of.

Patrons crowded around the clubhouse putting green as the six-time champ got in some practice before the Par-3 Contest. They cheered him on as if he was making another back nine charge to secure a seventh green jacket.

“Yes, yes,” said one patron as the Golden Bear rolled in a short putt after missing a couple.

Nicklaus, now 72, joked with his fans as he finished up.

“If I putt any more, I won’t be able to play,” he said, drawing laughter.

Brandon De La Cruz, who took turns with his friend, Mike Pinckes, taking pictures of themselves with Nicklaus in the background, said the icon will never lose his appeal to golf fans.

“He’s the man, the myth, the legend,” said the Carlsbad, Calif., resident. “He will always be the greatest.”

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