Nicklaus, Jack (William)

Jack Nicklaus, 1982.

(credit: Focus on Sports Inc.)

(born Jan. 21, 1940, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.) U.S. golfer, one of the greatest in the game's history. Nicklaus won the U.S. Amateur Championship twice (1959, 1961) while attending Ohio State University. After turning professional in 1962, he won the U.S. Open four times (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980), the Masters Tournament six times (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986), the PGA Championship five times (1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1980), and the British Open three times (1966, 1970, 1978). He was a member of the winning U.S. World Cup team six times and was a record three-time individual World Cup winner (1963, 1964, 1971). By 1986 “the Golden Bear” had played in 100 major championships, finishing in the top three 45 times. He combined skill and power with remarkable concentration and composure under pressure. In 2005 Nicklaus retired from tournament play with 73 PGA wins—a number exceeded only by Sam Snead with 82—and a record 18 major professional championship titles.

Nicklaus, Jack (William) (1940– ) golfer; born in Columbus, Ohio. Considered the greatest golfer in history, he won more major tournaments (21) than any other player. After a successful amateur career at Ohio State University, he turned professional and won the U.S. Open in 1962. Nicknamed, "the Golden Bear", the blond-haired golfer won the Masters six times, the U.S. Open four times, and the British Open three times, between 1962 and 1986. The oldest player ever to win the Masters at age 46, he was voted Golfer of the Century in 1988 by the Professional Golfer's Association (PGA). His various product endorsements and varied business interests—particularly in golf courses—made him a very wealthy man.