Jack Nicklaus won the Masters six times. His victories came in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975 and 1986, a record that still places him at the top of the tournament’s list of champions.
Nicklaus’s first Masters title arrived in 1963, when he defeated Tony Lema by one stroke. He successfully defended the championship in 1966, becoming the first player to win the Masters in consecutive years. His other victories showed remarkable longevity: he won again in 1972 and 1975 before producing his most famous triumph in 1986.
At age 46, Nicklaus became the oldest Masters champion when he won the 50th edition of the tournament. His final-round 65 included a spectacular back-nine 30, and his birdie putt on the 17th hole helped secure a one-stroke victory. That win also gave him a record 18 professional major championships.
The most common confusion is with Tiger Woods, who won five Masters titles. Arnold Palmer won four. Nicklaus’s six victories therefore remain the benchmark for sustained success at Augusta National.