Six-time Masters Tournament champion Jack Nicklaus will be honored in downtown Augusta during Masters Week with a sculpture sponsored by The Augusta Chronicle.
Nicklaus is scheduled to be present Tuesday, April, 4 when the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame unveils the sculpture at 11 a.m. in the Commons Area of the Augusta Golf and Gardens project on Reynolds Street between 10th and 13th streets.
The public is invited for the ceremony. Parking will be available in lots adjacent to the facility or across Reynolds Street.
The sculpture depicts Nicklaus' celebratory pose after making a birdie putt on No. 17 in the 1986 Masters Tournament, when he won his sixth title.
``Jack Nicklaus is recognized as the greatest to play the game of golf,'' said W.S. Morris III, chairman and CEO of Morris Communications Corp., and publisher of The Augusta Chronicle. ``By winning six Masters titles, he has made an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of the people of this community.
``Additionally, Jack has been a fabulous ambassador for the game of golf. He has done wonders for its growth, development and acceptance around the world. The Augusta Chronicle is honored to sponsor this sculpture for such a good friend and consummate champion.''
The Hall plans to display the Nicklaus sculpture for 24 hours after the presentation. The sculpture might be moved to another site for display during Masters Week, but that hasn't been determined yet.
Sculptures of Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Raymond Floyd, Byron Nelson and Bobby Jones previously have been unveiled. Palmer is on display in front of the Radisson Riverfront Hotel Augusta, and Jones is on the second floor of the Radisson. The other sculptures are in storage until the Golf and Gardens attraction's scheduled opening in 2001.
