Jack Nicklaus Recounts Close Call at the 1964 Masters and Awkward Birthday Moment with Bing Crosby

During a recent press conference at Augusta National, golf legend Jack Nicklaus reminisced about a nail-biting moment at the 1964 Masters when his errant 8-iron shot nearly hit the tournament’s co-founders, Bob Jones and Clifford Roberts. The incident occurred on the famous par-3 12th hole, where Nicklaus shanked his tee shot, narrowly missing the spectators near the tee box.

Despite losing to Arnold Palmer that year by six shots, Nicklaus vividly recalled the heart-stopping moment when his wayward shot sailed over Jones and Roberts, who were watching from a cart just right of the tee box. The near-miss added a dramatic twist to Nicklaus’ round, although he managed to salvage a bogey on the hole.

Another embarrassing anecdote shared by Nicklaus involved a birthday celebration during the Crosby Clambake at Pebble Beach. On his special day, amidst a gathering in his room, a friend connected him with a caller who serenaded him with a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday.’ However, to Nicklaus’ chagrin, he failed to recognize the voice on the phone, prompting him to ask for the caller’s identity.

As the caller continued with the birthday wishes, Nicklaus, oblivious to the singer’s identity, maintained a businesslike demeanor, only to realize later that it was none other than the legendary entertainer Bing Crosby on the line. Nicklaus humorously recounted the moment where he received a birthday song from Crosby without even realizing the singer’s identity, adding another comical episode to his list of memorable experiences.