Game Changers

10 Interesting Facts About Jack Nicklaus

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

Jack Nicklaus, known as the "Golden Bear," holds the unparalleled record of 18 Major Championship victories during his remarkable golf career. That major win mark is one of the most widely known accomplishments in all of sports.
Aside from his awe-inspiring accomplishments on the course, numerous intriguing facts about this iconic legend of the game often go unrecognized. Here are ten little-known but captivating facts about Jack Nicklaus:
Hailing from Ohio: Jack Nicklaus was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and has maintained a deep connection to his home state throughout his life.
A man of many talents: During his formative years, Nicklaus didn't limit himself to just one sport. He displayed remarkable prowess in football, baseball and tennis, in addition to his undeniable talent in golf. This diverse range of athletic abilities is a testament to his versatility and dedication to sports. He remains a massive sports fan, especially for his alma mater Ohio State's college football team.
Early golf prowess: Nicklaus's golf journey commenced at age 10 when his innate talent quickly became apparent. He received coaching at Scioto Country Club and Jack Grout, PGA, who left an indelible mark on Nicklaus' swing and career.
Collegiate triumph: While enrolled at Ohio State University, Nicklaus clinched the U.S. Amateur title twice and made significant contributions to the university's golf team.
Masters and PGA Championship dominance: Nicklaus won the Masters tournament a record six times, with his final win at Augusta National coming in 1986, making him the oldest golfer to win the Masters at age 46. Nicklaus is also tied with Walter Hagen for most PGA Championship victories at five. His PGA wins in 1963, 1971, 1973, 1975 and 1980 showcase just how long Nicklaus was dominant at golf for.
Designing golf courses: Nicklaus embarked on a successful career as a golf course designer after retirement, crafting some of the most renowned courses globally. His designs, such as Muirfield Village, have been praised for their challenging yet fair layouts and beautiful appearance. In all, Jack has designed over 400 courses worldwide.
Charitable initiatives: Together with his wife, Barbara, Nicklaus founded the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, which is dedicated to providing pediatric healthcare services to underprivileged children.
Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 2005, Jack Nicklaus received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, acknowledging his contributions to golf and philanthropy.
A family legacy in golf: The Nicklaus family boasts a strong golfing lineage, with Jack's son, Gary, and grandson, GT Nicklaus, both making their mark in the sport.
Entrepreneurial ventures: Besides his golf course design work, Nicklaus has engaged in diverse business enterprises, including developing golf-related products and apparel.
These lesser-known facets of Jack Nicklaus's life and career illuminate the multifaceted nature of his impact on the world of sports, philanthropy, and business. Nicklaus's enduring influence continues to captivate and inspire enthusiasts, cementing his position as one of the most influential figures in golf history.
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

After 16 remarkable years of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf through The Little Linksters Golf Academy, Brendon Elliott is excited to announce the transition of leadership to esteemed Coach Ricky Collado in 2025. As the baton is passed, Coach Ricky will take charge of all operations and become the primary point of contact for any Linksters-related inquiries. As Brendon steps into a new chapter, the focus will shift to launching and growing BE A GOLFER, a new academy dedicated to competitive teenage golfers. This initiative will continue both in-person and remote coaching, harnessing years of expertise to nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Further expanding horizons, Brendon will also dedicate time to One More Roll Golf Media. This venture aims to collaborate with various golf media outlets and businesses, delivering high-quality written, video, and voice content. Despite these new ventures, Brendon will remain closely connected with Little Linksters. A commitment to collaboration with Coach Ricky will continue, particularly with projects like the PGA Junior League, ensuring a lasting impact and smooth transition. “I am thrilled about the future of Little Linksters under Coach Ricky Collado’s leadership. This transition marks a change and an exciting new direction for me and the academy. I look forward to contributing my efforts towards developing competitive young golfers and advancing in the golf media landscape.” ~ Brendon R. Elliott, PGA More About Coach Brendon... Brendon Elliott is a distinguished PGA Professional who has received over 25 prestigious industry awards recognizing his contributions and influence in youth golf, most notably, the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. With numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and local news outlets in Florida, Brendon has established himself as a respected educator and influencer in the golf industry. Renowned for his expertise in all aspects of golf, he is a sought-after speaker at golfing events and panels. In the past three years, Brendon has expanded into media, writing for esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. Elliott is also part of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew and hosts a livestream show on the Golf Live App called “Monday Evening Tee Time.” Brendon’s dedication to advancing the sport has made a significant impact on the golf community.

Meet Brendon