Jack Nicklaus Betters Age by Six Shots

In a week where the golf world is celebrating Arnie’s life at Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, it’s only fitting that one of his best friends and biggest rivals made headlines as well. Jack Nicklaus took part in the annual Els for Autism Pro-Am Golf Tournament hosted by Ernie Els at Old Palm Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens Florida earlier this week. The thing is, the 77 year-old 18-time major winner didn’t just participate as a friendly gesture. He was there to golf his ball, and that he did. The Golden Bear ended up shooting a 71 – six strokes better than his age! 

In a post on Instagram (just like how he used to do it in his heyday), Nicklaus announced his score, along with the hilarious problem it poses for his handicap:

 

Just when I was getting my handicap up there, I had to go and not only shoot just my second round under 80 since November, but better my age by six shots with a 71. But seriously, it was a great day for golf and for raising needed money for the incredible work that my friends Ernie and Liezl Els do to bring attention and support for the estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. with autism. I’m delighted I could join the big-hearted amateurs and pros in the 9th annual Els for Autism Pro-Am. I just don’t recall getting a trophy this big for any second-place finishes in my career! #ernieels #elsforautism #autism #autismawareness

A post shared by Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) on Mar 15, 2017 at 3:23pm PDT

Seems like a decent tune-up in preparation for the ceremonial opening tee shot he’ll hit at the Masters in a few weeks.

[h.t. Golf Channel]

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