Over 500 Submissions Come In for Golf Channel's WHERE WAS I Special

By: Caryn Robbins Feb. 25, 2016

A tremendous response to Golf Channel's call to share your "Where Was I" stories resulted in more than 500 submissions from all over the world for the upcoming special, '86, commemorating the 30-year anniversary of Jack Nicklaus' historic victory at the 1986 Masters. A sneak preview ('86 Trailer) of this Golf Channel Films project will debut during today's coverage of The Honda Classic on Golf Channel, where live coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET.

Premiering Tuesday, April 5, at 9 p.m. ET, '86 will tell the full story of Nicklaus' memorable come-from-behind victory in securing his record 18th major championship victory and sixth green jacket. Highlighted by a final-round 65 and a 6-under-par 30 on the final nine holes, Nicklaus became the oldest winner of the Masters at age 46 and the second oldest winner of any major championship in history.

Golf Channel continues to ask fans to share their own personal stories about the 1986 Masters at GolfChannel.com/Jack, including answering the question: "Where was I" on that historic Sunday three decades ago. Story submissions have come not only from throughout North America, but also Europe, Asia and Australia.

The special will feature interviews with Nicklaus, his wife Barbara, their son Steve, daughter Nan, and oldest son, Jack II - who caddied for his father at the '86 Masters - members of the broadcast team, fellow professionals, caddies, media members, volunteers and patrons who were on hand. In addition, this Golf Channel Films project will paint a picture of the world's cultural climate at the time, giving viewers insight into the significance of the victory.

"Playing in front of Jack on that Sunday was truly incredible. Bob Tway was my playing partner and on the second nine, we spent more time looking back to watch Jack play than we did on our own games. The roars were so loud the hair on the back of my neck was standing up. The energy and electricity in the air were amazing. It was a truly unique experience." - NBC golf analyst Gary Koch, who played in the group in front of Nicklaus during the 1986 Masters final round.

'86 is being produced by Golf Channel Films, which has developed award-winning, critically acclaimed long-form documentaries and specials including the Emmy-nominated Payne; the three-part documentary ARNIE and a follow-up fourth installment, ARNIE & Me; and Ben Crenshaw: A Walk Through Augusta.

Nicklaus' memorable victory came 23 years after he donned his first green jacket, and put an exclamation point on a 25-year period in which he won his record 18 majors. The Golden Bear's final round in '86 was highlighted by an eagle-birdie-birdie streak at Nos. 15, 16 and 17 for a second-nine 30. GOLF Magazine called the Nicklaus' win the "Best Tournament of the 20th Century." GolfWorld called it the "Greatest Masters Tournament" in history, and the final-round 65 the "Greatest Final Round in Major Championship" history. Golf Digest ranked the '86 Masters as one of the "10 Defining Moments in Golf History."

From 1959-2005, Nicklaus made 45 starts at the Masters, winning in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and '86. He also holds records for the most top-5, top-10, and top-25 finishes at Augusta National. Even 30 years removed from his final Masters' victory, and more than 10 years after his final round at Augusta National, Nicklaus owns or is tied for no fewer than 35 Masters' records.