Jack "The Golden Bear" Nicklaus (18 Time Professional Major Champion)

[Buckskin86]

Hitting 70, Nicklaus still knows his major title: Papa Bear
Jan. 20, 2010
By Steve Elling
CBSSports.com Senior Writer

He goes by many names.

The Golden Bear.

The greatest golfer ever.

Or, similar to Elvis, as just plain Jack, because no surname is necessary among the game's aficionados.

Through Jack Nicklaus' adult life, you've been as likely to find him at a kid's or grandkid's game as on the golf course. (Getty Images)

Around the family homestead in West Palm Beach, Fla., he answers to another tag altogether -- and it means more than any other moniker.

Jack W. Nicklaus, who celebrates his milestone 70th birthday on Thursday, answers to Peepaw. With 21 grandchildren, he hears that nickname more than any of the others, which is just the way he likes it.

For decades, he's not only had the touch of Houdini with a club in hand, he had the balance of a Flying Wallenda when at home. Nicklaus perfected perhaps the greatest balancing act in sports history.

"The reason I turned pro was to be the best I could be at a game," Nicklaus said, a few days before he entered his eighth decade above grass. "I also put that as my second priority. I always looked at my family as my first priority and it took precedent over golf. I have kept that priority over the years."

Unlike a particular golfing figure who became infamous in the past few weeks for paying their family responsibilities lip service while they were smooching every female they could find when away from the public eye, Nicklaus still walks the walk. Bad hip, bunions and all.

When it comes to family, Papa Bear means business. In fact, any day now, daughter Nan O'Leary's phone will be ringing.

"It's funny, but each spring, he calls and says, 'I need the boys' football schedule,' so he can plan his work schedule for the fall," said O'Leary, one of Jack's five children.

Nicklaus' employees are under standing orders not to schedule any work-related outings, appearances or golf-course site visits during periods when the Grand Slam-winning grandfather has games to attend. For decades, Nicklaus has been such a regular sideline fixture, the other parents don't blink anymore. He's just another doting grandfather.

"Whether it is football, basketball, volleyball, soccer or whatever, he was always just Nan's dad, Jackie's dad, Gary's dad," O'Leary said, naming two of her four brothers.

Nicklaus won a record 18 professional majors among his 73 PGA Tour victories. His hosannas have been sung from the rooftops by experts and peers for decades. But few are aware that as a parent, he's always been a scratch player, too. Nobody's patriarchal scorecard is posted on the tour website, and it's hard to apply a yardstick to paternal success. Screw the quantification -- he was quite possibly more successful as a dad than as a player.

"I don't think he truly gets the credit he deserves, either my mom or my dad, for the work he puts in," his daughter said.

Hitting 70, Nicklaus still knows his major title: Papa Bear - Golf, PGA Tour - CBSSports.com PGA

70 things you don't know about Jack Nicklaus
By GolfChannel.com Team
Posted: January 20, 2010

In honor of Jack Nicklaus’ 70th birthday, GolfChannel.com has compiled a list of 70 things you don’t know about Nicklaus, or at least have forgotten by now:

1) He led outright or shared the lead after three rounds of a major championship 12 times in his career, and went on to win 10 times.

2) At age 10, he shot 51 on the first nine holes he ever played.

3) He qualified for his first U.S. Amateur at age 15.

4) His first-ever PGA Tour event was the 1958 Rubber City Open at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. After shooting 67-66 the 18-year-old amateur found himself one stroke out of the lead heading into the weekend. He went on to finish T-12.

5) His first and last PGA Tour victories were majors (1962 U.S. Open and 1986 Masters)

6) Pebble Beach is his favorite course. It was there where he won the 1961 U.S. Amateur and 1972 U.S. Open, as well as three Bing Crosby National Pro-Ams.

7) He’s the author or co-author of 15 books.

8) He never won a major with four rounds in the 60s.

9) He won 15 of his 18 majors in regulation by an average margin of 2.93 strokes.

10) He played in the 2003 Nationwide Tour BMW Charity Pro-Am with his three sons. He was the only one in the family to make the cut, and finished T-45.

11) He is the only player to win the U.S. Open in three different decades (1960s-1980s)

12) He is the youngest U.S. Open champion in the modern era having won in 1962 at age 22.

13) He was the first Masters champion to successfully defend his title (1965, 1966)

14) He won the Masters three times in his first five attempts as a professional.

15) He won at least one PGA Tour event in 17 consecutive years (1962-1978).

16) His worst finish at the British Open from 1966-1980 was sixth.

17) He's in a select number of non-band members to dot the “i" at an Ohio State football game (Bob Hope, Woody Hayes, OSU President Novice Fawcett, retired ticket director Robert Ries and astronaut John Glenn)

http://www.thegolfchannel.com/tour-insider/70-dont-jack-nicklaus-34659/

At 70, the Golden Bear reminisces
By GolfChannel.com Team
Posted: January 20, 2010

Jack Nicklaus turns 70 Thursday and GolfChannel.com had an opportunity to ask the Golden Bear some off-the-wall questions. Here is what golf?s latest septuagenarian had to say:

GolfChannel.com: Can you share a favorite birthday memory or birthday present that stood out over the years?

Nicklaus: You could probably pick one of the many John Montgomery ?presents.? Those have been very well documented. John was a dear friend and he never let a birthday pass without some sort of prank. There was the time he dumped five tons of manure in front of my house with a pin flag stuck on top that said "Happy Birthday." Of course, I got him back on that one. John and his wife had dinner that night at our house, and when John left, he discovered the manure had been moved ? right to the back of his wife?s just-detailed Cadillac. There was also the time he tied a donkey to my rearview or the stripping monkey. Then, in the 1980s, John borrowed a friend?s boat to sneak 100 chickens in during the still of the night and unleash them in my backyard. He threw feed all over the yard, but unfortunately some chickens found our guest house and a freshly grouted tile floor. Needless to say, the pecking took its toll.

GolfChannel.com: Can you share a favorite childhood memory that did not involve golf?

jack nicklaus 70
70 Things You Don't Know About Jack Nicklaus: Click Here

Nicklaus: Actually, I doubt I have any that did involve golf. At the age of 8 (1948), I remember the day I had to stay home from watching Pandel Savic (long-time friend, former Memorial Tournament chairman) play at Ohio State and instead I had to listen on the radio. It was when Pandel threw a pass to Jimmy Clark as the time ran out and I guess Tommy Haig kicked the extra point to win 7-6 over Northwestern. They only won two football games that year ? they beat Missouri 13-7 ? and that was one of them. There was also the ?Snow Bowl? in 1950. There was only 49,000 people ? the smallest crowd they ever had in the stadium. We went to the game and there was a little bit of snow on the ground and by the time we left, there were 13 inches. And then there was the only time I struck out in little league (Jack was a switch-hitting catcher). Jim Shearer (Jack was not sure of the spelling) struck me out. I was probably 9 or 10. He was a southpaw, I was batting righty, and that really ticked me off.

At 70, the Golden Bear reminisces - Golf News - Golf News & Articles | Golf Channel

 

[WoodyWorshiper]

The post above mine is great, and I'd like to add that I prefer to refer to the man simply as "Jack."

Fact #5 above says it all. First win ever was US Open, last win was Masters.
That pretty much says it all about the guy. Shows up on the scene and wins the games biggest event. 24 years later as his legendary career is all but over, HE rises up and gives me, (and I'm sure the majority of you out there) the greatest thrill I've ever had the honor to watch in a televised golf event.

I had the honor to meet Jack one time in my life. I followed him, Tom, and Lee (see how last names don't need to be used to refer to the great ones?) play the first round of the WSOG in 1980. After the round, Jack set up in a tent and signed autographs for at least 2 hours, until EVERY one was signed.

Jack is not ony a national sports treasure, he's OUR treasure!!

If any sports icon ever did it better than Jack, I'd love to hear that guys name.

Peace

 

[sparcboxbuck]

Jack and my first son (Nick) share a birthday. When my wife was in labor with him she was pretty drugged up due to some complications. Ever the crafty one that I am, I suggested that we consider an alternate spelling for Nicholas.

She wasn't drugged up enough I guess.

Either way, Happy Birthday to one great Buckeye and to a future Buckeye... He's gonna be eight today and he's got one hell of a swing.

 

[fourteenandoh]

I've seen Jack sign autographs until every person who wanted one got it. Must have been 2 hours at least. Truly an ambassador for the game.


Sparc, looks like he's a bit across the line at the top, but that is a huge shoulder turn. he must bomb it! :)

 

[sparcboxbuck]

I've seen Jack sign autographs until every person who wanted one got it. Must have been 2 hours at least. Truly an ambassador for the game.


Sparc, looks like he's a bit across the line at the top, but that is a huge shoulder turn. he must bomb it! :)

Yeah, thanks! He was trying to kill it. That's what you get with a seven year old (at the time of the pic). I'll prolly go blue in the face trying to talk him into holding off his swing a bit.

:)

 

[Buckskin86]

Jack of all trades
By Michael Arkush, Yahoo! Sports

Jack William Nicklaus has not teed it up in an official tournament since the 2005 British Open at St. Andrews and has not won since Bill Clinton?s first term, and that was against the seniors. Yet as we mark his 70th birthday on Thursday, the accomplishments of the son of a Columbus, Ohio, pharmacist stand out more than ever.

Chi Chi Rodriguez put it best years ago. The Golden Bear, he quipped, is a ?legend in his spare time.?

When Nicklaus wasn?t winning tournaments or designing golf courses, he was home, where his heart was, watching all five of his kids grow up. They were his real majors. He hated to miss any of their games in school and rarely did. It wasn?t easy being the son or daughter of Jack Nicklaus, but he made it as easy as he could.

Jack Nicklaus, with his wife Barbara after winning the British Open Championship in 1970.
(AP Photo)

?How he and Barbara [his wife] raised the children was a compelling part of the whole Jack Nicklaus picture,? said former United States Golf Association president Frank ?Sandy? Tatum.

Compelling, indeed, and worthy of more admiration than the green jackets in his closet and zeroes in his bank account. Today?s players vow, in overly sentimental terms, to spend more time with their families but many don?t live up to it. There is always the next ?big? tournament with their other family, their peers of the PGA Tour. Nicklaus did live up to it. The most tour starts he made in one year were 26 in 1962, when he and Barbara?s first child was only a year old. From 1971 on, he never played in more than 19 events.

The money is much greater than it was in the ?60s and ?70s, the cynics will say, and that if Nicklaus were playing today he wouldn?t be able to resist adding events to his limited schedule. Nonsense. It was never about the money for him and it wouldn?t be the case now. It was about winning and chasing the records of the immortals before him, such as Bobby Jones, San Snead and Ben Hogan.

?He raised the bar to where no one else has ever been,? said two-time major winner David Graham. ?Jack?s record [of 18 major wins] still stands alone. Whether someone breaks it remains to be seen.?

Jack of all trades - Golf - Yahoo! Sports

 

[Buckskin86]

A tribute: Jack Nicklaus turns 70
By Golfweek Staff
January 20, 2010

Photo by Golfweek photo illustration
Golfweek Staff


Jack Nicklaus was born Jan. 21, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio ? 70 years ago

Happy Birthday, Jack.

Golf News | Golfweek | A tribute: Jack Nicklaus turns 70

The Essence of Jack
Posted: January 21, 2010

jack nicklaus pebble beach

You can point back to so many stories that capture the essence of Jack Nicklaus with his 70th birthday upon us.

There was the legendary Bobby Jones with his classic quote after the Golden Bear won the Masters in 1965 in a nine-shot romp over the runner-up tandem of Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.

“He plays a game with which I am unfamiliar,” Jones famously said.

There was Nicklaus refusing to be intimidated by Arnie’s Army when he beat Arnold Palmer in a playoff to win the U.S. Open as a rookie in Palmer’s Pennsylvania backyard at Oakmont in 1962.

“They treated him like a dog,” Player said.

There was the improbable Masters triumph of 1986, the last time Nicklaus would conjur all his powers in a major championship to claim his 18th professional major at 46.

“That I could still summon what I had back when, that I could still use it coming down the stretch, that was special for me,” Nicklaus said.

There are so many stories that capture the heart of the man, but my favorite is the one that makes him look as fragile and human as the rest of us.

It’s about what overwhelmed him in life.

It’s about how the births of his children literally floored him.

At the Nicklaus Museum on the Ohio State University campus, there’s a story documented among several exhibits dedicated to his wife, Barbara, and the couple’s five children. It’s a story about the importance of family in Nicklaus’ life.

http://www.thegolfchannel.com/tour-insider/the-essence-of-jack-34664/

Jack Nicklaus II essay on Jack Nicklaus the father
Jan. 21, 2010
By Jack Nicklaus II., Special to PGATOUR.COM

My father is such a special man. I don't want to embarrass him, but I have learned so much from him. The most important thing is to always treat others the way you would want to be treated. He learned that from his father, and that's the way he has always lived his life. Dad was just lucky he made a few more putts than the other guy.

We all knew he was a great golfer, but he was always just "Dad" to us. My mom added the normalcy to our lives, of course. But Dad tried never to be away from our family more than two weeks at a time -- ever. I think he broke that twice. I know a lot of guys couldn't afford to fly back and forth in his day, so we were very lucky. He would fly back on Friday nights to see our basketball and football games so that even while he was playing in tournaments, he was still a part of our lives.

I remember one time in particular, my high school football team was playing a big game in Okeechobee, which is the middle of the state of Florida. He was playing in the World Series of Golf, but he still managed to make it to the game. When we won I remember him coming over and giving us all a big hug. Then he flew back to Akron, Ohio, so he could make his tee time the next day. Seeing him in the grandstands or in the audience at one of our other special events meant the world to all of my brothers and sister and I. He is a great example for me now as I have children of my own.

My mom and dad are very busy with their lives now. I am so happy they get to enjoy themselves. But they would drop everything for me or one of my siblings or their grandchildren. I know I am very biased, but my parents have been amazing role models. When celebrities stub their toes, it's like a splash of cold water in your face. You never saw that with my father, though. He is a very moral and ethical person. I have always tried to walk a path similar to the one my parents have, and I hope my children will turn out to be the kind of people they are.

In some ways, I may have taken my parents for granted a little because they always made the right decisions. They always took the high road, and I appreciate that example now that I am older. You know, I read a poem once called "Inheritance." I wish I could remember who wrote it, but the gist of it is that while a father might be able to leave his children a fortune, actually the most important things he can pass along are the skills you need to be a good person. That is so true, and it's the way my father has lived his life.

Happy birthday, Dad.

http://www.pgatour.com/2010/r/01/21/nicklaus70_jackieessay/

Tom Watson essay on Jack Nicklaus the competitor
Jan. 21, 2010
By Tom Watson, Special to PGATOUR.COM

Jack is my friend and competitor. I have learned a great deal from him in terms of both golf and life. Better than anyone else I've ever seen in golf, Jack had the amazing ability to hit the proper shot, at the proper time, under the proper conditions.

In our advancing years what strikes me most about Jack is how he has remained full of youth in everything he does. Most of the credit of course goes to his family and how they all keep him young, especially the rock, his wife Barbara.

Together they live a full life of kids and more kids, more than a regulation football game when all are counted. When all is said and done about Jack, his most lasting legacy will not be his 20 major championships, but the wonderful memories of being a loving father, grandfather, and husband.

That is the best legacy one can ever have.

http://www.pgatour.com/2010/r/01/21/nicklaus70_watsonessay/

 

[BB73]

Happy 70th, Jack. Yours is a life well-lived.

 

[matt_thatsme]

Whenever I think of professional golf I always think of Jack. I believe he played at a time when golf was at its best. Trevino, Watson, Palmer, Player, Casper, Ballesteros, Player, just to name a few. To win like Jack did against competition like he faced is an amazing feat. A true gentleman and a class act all around....unlike that other guy that the majority of people will erroneously argue is the "best ever."

Happy birthday Jack. Thanks for all that you have done for the game of golf and for the Ohio State University.

 

[Buckskin86]

Appreciate Nicklaus more
BY RON GREEN - Staff Writer

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- It is a simple little ceremony, just an old or aging legend or two hitting tee shots down the first fairway to signal the start of another Masters, but you can't watch it without feeling the embrace of golfing history, with maybe a few chill bumps thrown in.

It's a dewy Georgia morning, Thursday, a quiet lying over the course before the battle. The Masters chairman introduces one of the men, who steps forward to the sound of applause from maybe 200 early arrivals, and hits his ball and no matter how short it might fall, or how wayward it might fly, the people applaud again. And then the next great star from bygone days is brought up.

Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen and Arnold Palmer are among those who have taken part. Palmer has been doing it since 2007. Thursday, his old friend and greatest rival Jack Nicklaus will join him.

It will be a sweet, bright memory for all there.

And then the Masters will begin and the day will belong to Tiger Woods and the day will not be so bright or sweet. Woods, one of the greatest players ever, will be returning to the game after a long absence brought about by extramarital affairs that became public and sent him plummeting from grace. His golf might still be the golf of a genius but how he is viewed has been altered.

As Woods has dazzled us with 71 victories, including 13 major championships, we've compared him with the greats, most often with Nicklaus. It was a natural comparison because Woods was bearing down on Nicklaus' records, most significant of which are his 18 major championships. For years, the question has been asked - who's greater, Nicklaus or Woods?

Arguments can be made for both, but Woods' misbehavior, as a married man with two children, not only has diminished his image but has enhanced Nicklaus', if that's possible. Somehow, the Golden Bear seems to stand a bit taller, a bit nobler. We appreciate him more.

Read more: Appreciate Nicklaus more - Golf - NewsObserver.com

Jack Nicklaus, the world's greatest golfer, might also be the game's best interview
By Mike Walker, Senior Editor, GOLF Magazine Published: April 06, 2010

The world's sports fans stopped what they were doing Monday afternoon to watch a disarmingly open Tiger Woods take questions about his Thanksgiving night car accident, his infidelities, the FBI investigation of his doctor and the state of his game. But if those fans really wanted to learn something from and be entertained by a great champion, they should have waited for Jack Nicklaus.

The six-time Masters champion will hit the ceremonial opening tee shot Thursday morning with Arnold Palmer, and on Tuesday afternoon Nicklaus took questions that touched on the game's past (playing with Ben Hogan), its future (most of his grandkids don't play) and, yes, Woods (of whom he spoke volumes by not saying much at all).

Read more: Jack Nicklaus gives candid interview at Masters Tournament - Tours & News - Golf.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Legendary Jack Nicklaus' life even better than his golf
Posted: April 7, 2010
By Gene Frenette

AUGUSTA, Ga. - The greatest achievement of Jack Nicklaus' career never was his name on any trophy or that memorable final major triumph at the 1986 Masters.

Those who know Nicklaus best understand that his true successes are things not connected to a golf swing - devoted husband, graciousness, doting father/grandfather, role model, sportsmanship. Breaking it all down, just making an effort to do the right thing in every facet of his life.

You probably know where I'm going with this, but it's an unavoidable comparison as the 74th Masters begins today at Augusta National Golf Club.

Tiger Woods was 11 when he taped a chart of Nicklaus' 18 major titles, and the ages at which he won them, to his bedroom wall. Tiger then wrote his name in an adjoining column.

At that age, Woods' perception of excellence was tied exclusively to pursuing the Nicklaus gold standard as a golfer, as if that alone could define a man. Only now, at 34, has Tiger come to realize how much ground he must make up to even dream of equaling or surpassing the Golden Bear.

You want to know about the greatness of Nicklaus? Golf historians really can't do him justice. Instead, talk to the lady sporting a bright red coat and black pants in Jack's gallery Wednesday during the Masters Par 3 contest. That would be Barbara, his wife of almost 50 years, whom he met during their first college weekend together at Ohio State.

She can go on and on about what makes her husband special without ever talking golf. It might be the video tribute from the family that he unveiled at her surprise 70th birthday party in February. Or flying to Tallahassee during the Mexican Open to attend son Steve's state championship football game. Or any number of instances when Nicklaus, still the most accomplished golfer in history, chose being present as a husband/father over chasing a white ball.

"I think Jack balanced his life terrific," Barbara said. "He put family first. He was a part of everything with the kids. They look back now and really appreciate it. He refused to have them go off to college and saying, 'Gee, I wish I knew my dad.' Believe me, they couldn't say that.

"A long time ago, he vowed to never be gone from home for more than 14 days. He broke it once, when we went on a 17-day trip together to South Africa. He just always wanted to be there for his kids."

Legendary Jack Nicklaus' life even better than his golf | jacksonville.com

 

[Buckskin86]

You probably saw him first as a chubby kid from Ohio with the blond crew cut. Eventually, Jack Nicklaus would change -- he slimmed down and those golden locks grew out to a more fashionable length. What didn't change, though, was his ability to dominate on a golf course. Nicklaus was the consummate shot-maker and he had the propensity for making putts at exactly the right moment -- can anyone ever forget the birdie he stalked, putter raised in the air, on the 16th hole on Sunday at Augusta National in 1986? What set Nicklaus apart from the rest, though, was his incredible focus and enormous will. The Golden Bear simply did not beat himself. He likes to say that when other players started complaining about the course conditions or the weather, he knew he already had them beat. Then his clubs spoke for him. Nicklaus simply did not let anything get in the way of his single-minded goals. His 18 major championships set the standard still chased today and that number could have been so much greater -- Nicklaus finished second in an equal number of golf's four crown jewels. Now that his competitive career is over, his legacy endures far beyond the golf course. Nicklaus, a devoted family man who raised five children with his wife Barbara, concentrates on his Memorial Tournament, his golf course design business and charitable endeavors that have raised millions over the years for needy children. - Helen Ross

By Craig Dolch, PGATOUR.COM Contributor

1986 Masters - Not only did this extremely popular victory enable Nicklaus to become the oldest winner (46) of a green jacket, it pushed his number of career professional major championships to 18. That unexpected victory may keep Tiger Woods chasing for a while longer.

1962 U.S. Open - A 22-year-old Nicklaus didn't take long to serve notice of his greatness, as he outdueled Arnold Palmer in the King's back yard (Oakmont Country Club) in front of some tough fans to make the national championship his first professional victory.

1975 Masters - Even though Nicklaus obliterated the Masters' scoring record with a 17-under 271 to win 10 years earlier, he considered this one-shot victory over Tom Weiskopf and Johnny Miller more memorable because he believed this was the best down-the-stretch major duel that he won. Who can forget those Bear Tracks he made on the 16th green?

1980 U.S. Open - After re-dedicating himself to the game following -- for him -- a lackluster 1979 season, Jack proved he was back by outdueling Isao Aoki at Baltusrol. Two months later, Nicklaus also won the PGA Championship for his 17th career major title.

1970 British Open - While many remember this championship for Doug Sanders' short miss on the final hole that would have won him a Claret Jug, this was more memorable because Nicklaus won for the first time at St. Andrews -- where his idol, Bobby Jones, said he had to win to put the proper stamp on his career.

PGATOUR.COM - Masters of the Game: Nicklaus

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWiVdzjTk0Q]YouTube - Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus Offcial start 2010 Masters.wmv[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

June 2, 2010
For Nicklaus, Another Milestone in a Career Filled With Them
By LARRY DORMAN

DUBLIN, Ohio ? It is now official. By the year 2013, Jack Nicklaus ? who has won everything worth mentioning in golf ? will have done everything worth mentioning in the game.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, flanked by Nicklaus and son Jack II, announced Wednesday that the founder and host of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club will host the Presidents Cup in 2013 when the biennial competition returns to the United States.

This effectively scratches out everything on the Nicklaus to-do list.
?It probably will be my last involvement in anything significant in the game of golf,? said Nicklaus, 70, whose record of 18 professional major championship victories is his signal achievement, but hardly his only one of significance.

For Nicklaus, Another Milestone in a Career Filled With Them - On Par Blog - NYTimes.com

Nicklaus? legacy lives on through Memorial tournament
By Nick Hiltbrand
[email protected]
Published: Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Of all the gifts Jack Nicklaus has given to the fans of golf, there?s still one that keeps on giving.

In its 35th year, the Memorial Tournament is one of the gems of the PGA Tour season. Though it is not a major, it?s widely regarded as one of the best of the rest of the tournaments.

?The Memorial is always mentioned as it feels like a major championship because of the international field and because of how the golf course sets up,? said Tom Sprouse, director of communications for the Memorial Tournament.

Nicklaus, who is renowned for his skills in golf course design, designed Muirfield Village Golf Club in 1974 with the intent to create a golf tournament much in the style of the Masters.

Muirfield was one of the first golf courses designed with the spectator in mind. With his use of mounds and amphitheaters, Nicklaus accomplished one of his long time dreams of creating a challenging golf tournament that both the players and the fans could enjoy.

?Growing up I always used to watch the Memorial Tournament, which is his tournament, and it really inspired me to want to play golf,? said Bo Hoag, an All-American golfer for the Ohio State men?s golf team.

Muirfield is ranked No. 19 in Golf Digest?s America?s 100 Greatest Golf Courses in 2009-2010, and the No. 1 golf course in Ohio.

?I thank him every time I see him for building Muirfield,? said three-time Memorial Tournament Champion Kenny Perry about Nicklaus.

Nicklaus was meticulous in making sure that his course was in peak condition for this weekend.

?The golf course is really good. Perfect, basically. I came here ? I played Saturday and Sunday, two days in a row. That is a lot of golf for me,? Nicklaus said. ?The golf course, I couldn?t find anything. I went along and I found a little bit of material that came up slightly on a bridge, so we fixed that.?

The Lantern - Nicklaus’ legacy lives on through Memorial tournament

 

[Buckskin86]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na_Y0KA-kBU]YouTube - Jack Nicklaus, Part 2[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

Nicklauses celebrating 50th with family
RANDALL MELL, Senior Writer, GolfChannel.com
Posted 07/23/2010

Jack and Barbara Nicklaus are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary tonight.

When I asked a Nicklaus confidant how they were celebrating, I got the answer anyone who knows them would expect.

They were planning ?to spend a relatively quiet evening, having dinner with family and a couple of close friends.? The Nicklauses, however, are such a vital part of the larger Palm Beach community in South Florida that there?s no escaping a bigger bash there. That?s planned Saturday night, and even that?s taking place within the family unit, at the home of one of their five children. Jack and Barbara will be the guests of honor at a party that will feature nearly 200 special guests.

Jack met Barbara his first week as a student at Ohio State on the steps of the library in September of 1957. They were introduced by a woman Nicklaus was dating at the time. Jack walked Barbara to one of the science buildings and was so smitten with her that he called her later that night to ask her on a date. He had to wait three weeks for that date.

In his book, ?Jack Nicklaus: My Story,? Nicklaus said this about why the marriage works so well: ?Both of us come from uncomplicated, hard working, down-to-earth, closely bonded Midwestern families. As a result, despite the millions of miles we travel, the glitzy places we visit, the famous people we know, and the many material comforts that grow from a successful career, we are both at heart still pretty simple-living homebodies who get their greatest joys and satisfactions from within the family unit. The `other lives,? the external lives, are fun for both of us in short takes, but we are most comfortable and content in our own tightly knit, informal, unpretentious, at-home normal world with our children and grandchildren at the center.?

Jack Nicklaus and Barbara and 50th wedding anniversary - Shag Bag Golf Blog | Golf Channel