Born Ohio, USA, Jack Nicklaus is considered to be the greatest golfer of the modern era and arguably the greatest in the game's history. Among his countless victories are a record 18 Majors.
Jack Nicklaus' induction into golf came from his father who was a chemist. After sustaining an ankle injury Jack Nicklaus was advised to walk a few miles every day as part of his therapy. Jack Nicklaus decided to take up golf and 10 year old Jack caddied for him. In time, Jack Nicklaus himself took up the game and within a few years became a very competitive amateur. However, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and became an apprentice chemist rather than turning professional.
The great Bobby Jones, who never turned professional, was the role model which shaped Jack Nicklaus outlook on golf. In 1959, Jack Nicklaus won his first prestigious championship, the US Amateurs. After winning the event again in 1961, he decided to turn professional. What better way to introduce himself than to win the 1962 US Open.
Back then, Arnold Palmer was king golf and had a huge following known as Arnie's Army. Nicklaus quickly realised that he could not compete with Palmer in the popularity stakes but could beat him to take the top spot in golf. That dream was realised within a few short years. Jack Nicklaus and Palmer together with South African Gary Player dominated world golf during the 1960s and became known as the Modern Triumvirate.
Jack Nicklaus' career is simply outstanding. He won the Open 3 times, the US Open 4 times, the PGA Championship 5 times and the Masters a record 6 times. In the US alone, he has earned over US$5m in prize money. Jack Nicklaus is still winning tournaments on the Seniors Tour. Jack Nicklaus served on 8 Ryder Cup squads and was voted US PGA Player of the Year 5 times. Among his countless awards, he was voted Golfer of the Century by American sports writers in 1986. Basically, Jack Nicklaus has won everything in golf and has had every honour bestowed on him.
Besides golf, Jack Nicklaus is a renowned course designer. His company, Golden Bear Inc., designs, builds and manages golf courses all over the world and has an annual turnover in excess of US$120m. His countless product endorsements have earned him another fortune. However, Jack Nicklaus has a genuine love for golf and still competes on the Seniors Tour and other tournaments. Even in 1997, he competed in the US Open knowing that young blood would take the title (Ernie Els).
Back then, Arnold Palmer was king golf and had a huge following known as Arnie's Army. Nicklaus quickly realised that he could not compete with Palmer in the popularity stakes but could beat him to take the top spot in golf. That dream was realised within a few short years. Jack Nicklaus and Palmer together with South African Gary Player dominated world golf during the 1960s and became known as the Modern Triumvirate.
Jack Nicklaus' career is simply outstanding. He won the Open 3 times, the US Open 4 times, the PGA Championship 5 times and the Masters a record 6 times. In the US alone, he has earned over US$5m in prize money. Jack Nicklaus is still winning tournaments on the Seniors Tour. Jack Nicklaus served on 8 Ryder Cup squads and was voted US PGA Player of the Year 5 times. Among his countless awards, he was voted Golfer of the Century by American sports writers in 1986. Basically, Jack Nicklaus has won everything in golf and has had every honour bestowed on him.
Besides golf, Jack Nicklaus is a renowned course designer. His company, Golden Bear Inc., designs, builds and manages golf courses all over the world and has an annual turnover in excess of US$120m. His countless product endorsements have earned him another fortune. However, Jack Nicklaus has a genuine love for golf and still competes on the Seniors Tour and other tournaments. Even in 1997, he competed in the US Open knowing that young blood would take the title (Ernie Els).
