Jack Nicklaus Biography
The Jack Nicklaus biography is the story of the "Golden Bear", who is considered one of the greatest professional golfers of all time. Along with Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, Nicklaus is credited with making golf a popular spectator sport.
Jack Nicklaus was born in Columbus, Ohio on January 21, 1940. His father was a pharmacist. One of the most interesting facts in the Jack Nicklaus biography was that he began playing golf at the age of ten and managed to shoot a 51 in the first nine holes that he ever played. He first broke 70 at the age of 13 and went on to win 5 straight Ohio State Junior Championships. He turned pro at the age of 22 in 1962.
Jack Nicklaus won his first major in his rookie pro season by beating the heavily favored Arnold Palmer in the 1962 U.S. Open. In his second year on the tour, 1963, he won four majors and earned over $100,000. He also won the Masters in back to back years, 1965 and 1966, becoming the first player to accomplish that feat. During this time he was given the nickname, "The Golden Bear", and his rivalry with Arnold Palmer became one of the driving forces that increased the visibility and popularity of professional golf.
During his 25 year career, Jack Nicklaus won a total of 25 majors. Between 1990-1996, he competed in the Champions tour which is the senior division and he won 8 majors here. Both winner totals still stand as records. When he won the 1971 PGA title, he became the first pro to win all four majors twice.
Jack Nicklaus had the unusual combination of being a great putter and a powerful long hitter. His approach to the game tended to be very methodical and even a little conservative. His course management skills made him the envy of even his rivals. He would rarely "go for broke." Even on the green, he would often pass up the more aggressive putt attempt for the surer two putt. Despite his conservative approach, no one could argue with his success.
On the course and after retirement, Jack Nicklaus was very active in golf course design and the writing of instructional books. He also ran a tournament known as The Memorial. His nickname came not only from his appearance, but from his easy going, almost rambling style of play. The easy going, teddy bear like good nature masked a very fierce competitor. During his heyday, Jack Nicklaus was one of the most beloved and recognizable professional golfers and very much a favorite of golfers worldwide.