On this day in history, April 7, 1963, Jack Nicklaus wins first of record six Masters Tournaments

Nicklaus, at 23 years old, launched his unmatched Augusta legend with a one-stroke victory in the 1963 Masters. He bested a field that included golf titans Sam Snead, Gary Player and defending Masters champ Arnold Palmer.

Jack Nicklaus, just two years removed from dominating amateur golf as a student at The Ohio State University, bested a star-studded field of the game's greatest professionals to capture his first Masters Tournament title on this day in history, April 7, 1963. 

The victory sparked an enduring love affair between the gallery at Augusta National in Georgia, America’s most celebrated golf course, and the sport’s most celebrated player. 

The 23-year-old phenom was handed the green jacket for the first time at the 1963 Masters by defending champion Arnold Palmer after Nicklaus' two-under performance and one-stroke win over Tony Lema. 

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The field that day also included all-time sport luminaries Sam Snead and Gary Player. 

The exchange of the trophy blazer between golf legends was part of a five-year streak in which only Nicklaus or Palmer donned the green jacket (1962-1966) at Augusta. 

Arnold Palmer, left, helping victorious Jack Nicklaus with green blazer at Augusta National Golf Course, Augusta, Georgia, April 7, 1963.  (James Drake /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

"In his prime, the Golden Bear was the one everyone chased," Golf Digest declared in 2020, in a celebration of Nicklaus's 80th birthday. 

"Drop that golfer into today's game, and it would be the case still."

"The Golden Bear was the one everyone chased. Drop that golfer into today's game, and it would be the case still." 

Nicklaus is