Strike up a conversation on the history of golf, and sooner or later the name Jack Nicklaus will weave its way into the discussion. Synonymous with the gallant game, Nicklaus has wowed fans and fellow golfers alike with his athletic prowess and is considered “The Most Powerful Person in Golf” with 118 worldwide victories and 18 professional major-championship titles. When he’s not designing championship golf courses or captaining the Ryder Cup, Nicklaus is a guiding light for numerous charities including the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation which provides support for pediatric heath care services. We caught up with the “Golden Bear” who ruminates on baseball, bucket lists and bone-fishing in the South Pacific.
OCCUPATION: Golf legend.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: I would actually say wherever I’m going, because wherever I go, I try to enjoy the opportunity, the experience, and make the best of it. I certainly have special places I have enjoyed visiting, such as Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Iceland, and many others. I enjoy places where I can combine work and pleasure.
POWER SUIT: I prefer a pair of shorts, a golf shirt and sneakers.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…: Spending most of my time with family. I enjoy spending time with my wife Barbara and we especially like to spend time at our grandkids’ activities. I also enjoy fishing and tennis.
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY: I feel as if I have tried everything I have ever wanted to try. The most recent on my bucket list was to see the gorillas. So we took some family and friends to Rwanda for a “Mountain Gorilla Trek.” One thing I have wanted to do is bone-fish in the South Pacific.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN GOLF: That’s hard to answer because all my victories, especially my major championship wins, have been memorable for unique and special reasons. But if I had to pick one, it would be the 1986 Masters—the last of my 18 professional majors. It came when I was 46 years old; I was almost six years removed from my last major; and it was at a point in my career when nobody expected me to win. And in many ways, that included me. For most of my career at Augusta National, most people expected me to win, whether it was the media, the fans, other players…or myself. And I don’t think anybody did in ’86. It was very special, probably the most special win that I’ve ever had. And having my son Jack on the bag is something I’ll never forget. Also, for whatever reason, that was the only Masters since my first one in 1959, where my mother and my sister decided to attend. I have no idea why, but they were there. So to have my son on the bag, and close family just outside the ropes, served to underline the moment for me.
FAVORITE DRINK/COCKTAIL: I am actually not much of a drinker, and prefer water with almost every meal. But if I am going to have a drink, I prefer, of course, Jack Nicklaus Wine.
I STAY HOME TO WATCH: Football or one of my 22 grandkids.
FAVORITE GADGETS: Not a gadget guy but I carry an iPhone for outgoing calls only.
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT: Home.
PRIZED POSSESSION: My family.
ADJECTIVE TO DESCRIBE MY MOOD: Even keel.
WHOM I MOST ADMIRE: My wife Barbara. She has not only been my wife of 51 years, but she has been my best friend, my sounding board, and at many times, my conscience. She has been the guiding light of my life and our family. I know I am a better person and better parent because of her.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Family.
PRE-GAME RITUALS: I always made sure to have three pennies in my pocket when I played. One was to mark my ball; a second was in case I lost the first; and the third was in case my playing partner needed one. I also preferred to play a golf ball with the No. 5 on it. I just played it for years because no one else played it, and so they made a 5 just for me. Plus, that was a score I didn’t want to have.
IF I WASN’T A GOLFER, I’D BE: If it was in sports, it would be baseball. I was a switch-hitting catcher growing up. If you are asking about a career outside of sports, I have no idea. I can’t imagine life without sports.
FAVORITE CUT OF STEAK: Ribeye.
FAVORITE SPORT, OTHER THAN GOLF: Fishing, especially fly-fishing. I also enjoy playing tennis.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: The best part of my job is…: Each day I feel like I have the ability to make someone’s life better—whether it be mine, my family’s, a child’s, or a client. I’m in a position that allows me to do that, and that’s really nice. At the age of 71, I am still able to remain involved in a game that I have always loved and loved to compete in. Although I can’t compete as I once did on the course, I am very involved in the game of golf, whether it as a course designer, a spokesperson or ambassador for the sport as I travel the world, and hopefully a voice for how we can help protect and grow the game for future generations.
Join Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara on Tuesday, October 25 for a memorable evening of Morton’s signature cuisine paired with exquisite Jack Nicklaus Wines…all in the name of a good cause at Morton’s The Steakhouse in West Palm Beach, FL!
nicklaus.com