Jack Nicklaus is without doubt a golfing legend. Debates will go on to
the wee small hours over which golfer is the greatest of all, and it's
impossible to compare golfers of different generations.
Tiger
Woods or Jack Nicklaus? Arnold Palmer or Lee
Trevino? The only
true measure of greatness is through his list of achievements, and this
is where Jack Nicklaus stands above the rest. (Watch out for Tiger)!
Jack's 18 Major victories has become the yardstick by which greatness
is now measured.
Nicklaus was a born natural who quickly picked up the fundamentals of
the game after being introduced to golf by his father at the age of ten.
Within 2 years Jack was shooting scores in the 70s and by the age of 16
was winning state amateur titles. In 1959 and still an amateur Nicklaus
finished second in the US Open behind Arnold Palmer! It was clear Jack
was something special and in 1961 having won his second US Amateur
title he turned pro.
Nicklaus got of to a quick start towards his 18 Majors going head to
head in a play-off with Arnold Palmer to win his first Major, the US
Open at Oakmont in 1962, his first year as a pro!
At that time Arnold Palmer was the best golfer in the world and the
nations favorite, conversely Nicklaus had a cocky character and at
first was not a popular winner.
But as he matured into "The Golden Bear" his popularity grew quickly.
Nicklaus dominance grew and when he won the 1966 Open at
Muirfield at just 26 years of age he became only the fourth man to
complete a Grand Slam.
The 70s was Jacks peak period in which "The Golden Bear" won seven
Majors between 1970 and 1975.
Nicklaus magnificent reign went on through the 80s winning his fifth
and
final green jacket in 1986.
Jack Nicklaus was also gracious in defeat, having lost an epic battle
with Tom Watson in the sunshine at Turnberry during the 1977 Open,
Nicklaus walked of the final green with his arm around Tom Watson
offering his congratulations.
Nicklaus was the complete professional with no weaknesses in his game,
he had a winning mentality, powerful swing, and a great touch on and
around the greens.
Jack Nicklaus is without doubt a true golfing legend.
Achievements:
Masters winner 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986, US
Open winner 1962, 1967, 1972, 1980, Open winner 1966, 1970, 1978, USPGA
winner 1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1980.
Ryder Cub record: Member of 6 US teams (1969, 1971,
1973, 1975, 1977, 1981) Played 28, Won 17, Lost 8, Halved 3, Captain in
1983 and 1987.
