He can't drive the ball the way he used to, but Jack Nicklaus can still drive down Magnolia Lane. On Tuesday, The Golden Bear posted a Facebook video making his annual stroll through the gates of Augusta National.
However, to Nicklaus' surprise, some of the guards at The Masters did not recognize him.
Watch from behind the scenes what happened when I arrived to Magnolia Lane and the Masters this afternoon!
Posted by Jack Nicklaus on Tuesday, April 5, 2016
The first set of guards are in awe of Nicklaus, and one police officer arguably overstays his welcome with the six-time Masters champ, talking about a barbecue dinner that may or may not happen. The guard at the second checkpoint forces Nicklaus to produce his badge for scanning purposes. Upon seeing the name "Jack Nicklaus," the guard is immediately embarrassed.
"You don't have to apologize, you're doing your job," Nicklaus says.
A third traffic cop stops Nicklaus, but the legend's 76-year-old face soon registers with the sheriff.
"It took me a minute to recognize you. I apologize," the officer says.
"I'm getting old. It's okay," Nicklaus says.
"You go wherever you like, young man."
As Nicklaus finally reaches the Augusta National clubhouse, one of his passengers asks, "Why are they so nice to you?"
"I don't know," Nicklaus responds.
It could have to do with his record 18 majors. This week, Nicklaus will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his last major, his 1986 underdog win at Augusta. At age 46, six years removed from major No. 17, Nicklaus shot a final-round 65 to hold off Tom Kite and Greg Norman by one shot.
Nicklaus is the oldest Masters winner of all-time, and the second-oldest major champion in PGA history.
