Nicklaus Dominates Again in Skins Game

Jack Nicklaus said he was “shocked” by his performance in the Champions Skins Game. His opponents weren’t even surprised.

Returning from a long layoff after back surgery, Nicklaus won 11 consecutive skins for a career-high $340,000 on Saturday in a runaway victory over Craig Stadler.

“I’m totally shocked. I have no way to explain it,” said Nicklaus, who boosted his career Champion Skins Game records to $2,005,000 and 78 skins.

Nicklaus, who turned 65 last month and hadn’t played a competitive round of golf since June 2004, rode on the back of a cart for much of the round because of a strained hamstring. He had back surgery Nov. 23.

“He moans and complains about the hips, back, legs, everything and then he kind of lulls you to sleep and then he makes four birdies in a row,” Stadler said. “I’m not surprised by anything he does.”

Stadler, the 2004 Champions Tour player of the year, was second with five skins and $180,000 in his first appearance in the event. Defending champion Tom Watson earned $80,000 for his two late skins, and Arnold Palmer was blanked for the third time in four years.

Nicklaus, the 1991 winner, sealed the victory in the made-for-TV event by holing a 14-foot birdie putt -- his third consecutive birdie -- for $40,000 on the 548-yard 15th hole. On the previous hole, Nicklaus hit a spectacular six-iron from 165 yards to set up a four-foot birdie putt for five skins and $170,000.

“I was very pleased with the way I played,” he said. “I certainly don’t have any power yet. I’ve just got to get my legs back.”