Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus recently surfaced in Kuala Lumpur, and the 69-year-old gave some surprising thoughts on golf in Asia, new equipment, and Tiger Woods.  Nicklaus believes the balance of power in golf is shifting to Asia, and that one day Chinese players will come to dominate the sport.  This comes on the heels of Asia’s first major champion, Y.E. Yang of South Korea, who earlier this year defeated Tiger Woods to capture the PGA Championship.  He bases his ideas on the lessened effects of the recession in Asian countries, specifically China, and golf’s presence in the 2016 Olympics as …read more

It’s difficult living in your father’s shadow, especially when that shadow is cast by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.  But Gary Nicklaus, the third of Jack’s four sons, who never came close to matching his famous father’s success on the links despite carrying the Nicklaus name, is attempting a comeback on the PGA Tour.  But to do so, the younger Nicklaus has to do it the hard way, by going back to qualifying school.  The former PGA card-carrying member, who has 100 pro tournaments under his belt, hasn’t played on tour in six years.  But the draw of the game was …read more

It took a little prodding from old friend Arnold Palmer, but Jack Nicklaus is finally making a return to Augusta National for the 2010 Masters tournament.  Too bad for us it’ll only be for one shot.  Nicklaus, who played in his final Masters in 2005, was initially reluctant to join Palmer as an honorary starter, lest he steal some of his old rival’s spotlight.  But Palmer himself was key in changing Jack’s mind on this one.
“I have always had great respect for Arnold and his legacy at the Masters, and I did not, in any way, want to infringe on …read more

After missing out on perhaps his last chance at one final major tournament victory, Tom Watson could use a few words of comfort from old friends.  Enter Jack Nicklaus, one-time rival, friend, and, like Watson, a golfing legend.  Nicklaus took the time to call his old pal Watson following his near miss at Turnberry this past weekend, offering words of encouragement and support, a gesture Watson greatly appreciated.  Turnberry was the site of Watson and Nicklaus’ famous 1977 historic Open Championship match, dubbed the “Duel in the Sun.”
Nicklaus reiterated to Watson that his play on the penultimate hole in the …read more

With the PGA tour descending on Turnberry for the Open Championship, players and fans alike can’t help but reminisce about the first British Open ever held at Turnberry, way back in 1977.  That year two titans of the golf world squared off in a final round for the ages, a classic that would eventually be dubbed the “Duel in the Sun.”  Jack Nicklaus, already with 14 majors under his belt,  and Tom Watson, already a British Open champion, left the field in their wake as they engaged in a slugfest for the Claret Jug.  At the end of the day, …read more

For those of you who think golf begins and ends with Tiger Woods, you’re in for a treat this weekend.  CBS Sports is planning to show a 1963 match between Tiger’s idol, Jack Nicklaus, and Sam “Slammin’ Sammy” Snead.  At the time of the match, Snead was 50 years old, and held the PGA record of 81 wins, while Nicklaus was 23, and just beginning his rise to the top of the golf world.
The match itself took place at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links in Monterey, California, and was an 18 hole stroke play event.  Without giving away who …read more

Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara have been chosen to receive Pathfinder Awards in June for their years of service in promoting youth sports. The Nicklauses founded and head the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. They also support youth golf programs throughout the country.

The Pathfinder is presented each year in conjunction with the Youthlinks Indiana Charity Golf Tournament sponsored by Indiana Sports and Indiana Black Expo. Last year’s winner was Basketball’s Oscar Robertson.
(photo credit: Newscom)