Career |
||
| Other
Sections Accomplishments
|
In 1963, Nicklaus won his first Masters and PGA titles. Two years later, he won his second Masters with a then-record 271, breaking Hogan's record by three strokes and eliciting Jones' praise. He also won his second of eight earnings titles. In 1966, Nicklaus retained his Masters championship and also won his first British Open. At 26, he already had won all four Grand Slam events. Nicklaus, an incredible clutch putter, continued to dominate until the late seventies. Then in 1980, when people were wondering if the 40-year-old Golden Bear had lost his touch, he won his fourth U.S. Open with a tournament record 272 at Baltusrol in New Jersey. He also romped -- by a record seven strokes -- to his fifth PGA Championship, at Oak Hill in Rochester, N.Y. Nicklaus only won three more tournaments, but the last was especially sweet. In 1986, at 46, he certainly was past his prime. Before the Masters, an Atlanta journalist wrote that Nicklaus was "done, washed up, through." Nicklaus tacked the story to his refrigerator, and then put the lie to it. With his son Jack II caddying for him, Nicklaus shot a 65 in the final round, 30 on the back nine. His 279 edged out good friend Greg Norman by a stroke and won him a sixth green jacket. It was his last victory until he joined the Seniors Tour in 1990. In the nineties, he has played sporadically on both the PGA and Seniors Tours. A captain of industry for years, Nicklaus already was a conglomerate with his Golden Bear International -- endorsements, clothing, golf equipment and especially designing golf courses (more than 100). His worth has been estimated in excess of $300 million. It's no wonder that Chi Chi Rodriguez once called Nicklaus a legend in his spare time |