As a youngster, Tiger Woods would tape a list of Jack Nicklaus’ major victories on his bedroom wall. He knew from a young age that he was chasing Jack. Tiger was focusing on being the greatest golfer ever. He has become the greatest golfer of his day. There is still a little work left to be done to supplant Jack as the greatest of all time.
Tiger should be trying to copy Jack in another area. Tiger would do well to emulate Jack Nicklaus the parent, not the golfer.
Jack Nicklaus is the greatest golfer ever. He is also one of the greatest parents in professional sports. I know that there are thousands of athletes that are wonderful parents, but no other athlete in sport has excelled and dominated his sport as Nicklaus has, while at the same time raising a family. Jack has a professional record that is unparalleled. Tiger recognizes this as we all do.
Their two careers are extraordinarily similar. Jack was a dominant amateur, winning two U.S. Amateurs. He played with golfers his age and dominated them. He won an NCAA championship in 1961. When he turned pro he kept on winning. Over his career he won eighteen majors and has won the Career Grand Slam three times. Jack accumulated 73 career PGA Tour victories. He has been a winning Ryder Cup player and Captain as well as a winning Presidents Cup Captain.
In addition to the on course victories, Nicklaus received several prestigious awards off the course. Jack was voted Male Athlete of the Century, Golfer of the Century, one of the Top Ten Greatest Athletes of All Time. He has been awarded five Lifetime Achievement awards and twelve hall of fame memberships. He was acknowledged as the Most Powerful Person in Golf on many occasions. He has a hospital with his name on it, The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in West Palm Beach Fla.
In 2005, Jack was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This medal is the highest honor the United States government can give to a civilian and only awarded to those who have an especially meritorious contribution to the United States. Over his career, Jack has acquired many more accolades. He has been voted Father of the Year and his family was named Golf Family of the Year in 1986. Certainly Nicklaus has had a wonderfully successful career. Read more.
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