Jack Nicklaus
Name:
Jack William NicklausAlso known as:
The Golden BearCountry:
USABorn:
Jan 21, 1940 in Upper Arlington, Columbus, Ohio.Original/Home Club:
Columbus, Ohio / Scioto CCOccupation:
Professional golfer, golf course designer, founder of the Golden Bear golf company.Turned Pro:
1962Website:
https://www.nicklaus.comMajors (18): The Open (1966, '70, 78); US Open (1962, '67, '72, '80); Masters Tournament (1963, '65, '66, '72, '75, '86); US PGA Ch'ship (1963, '71, '73, '75, '80); major wins included three career slams, with all four major championships won at least three times.
Senior majors (8): US Snr Open (1991, '93); US Snr PGA (1991); Snr Players (1990); Tradition (1990, '91, '95, '96).
Amateur: US Amateur champion (1959, '61).
Team: Walker Cup player (1959, '61). Ryder Cup player (1969, '71, '73, '75, '77, '81). Ryder Cup captain (1983, '87). Presidents Cup captain (1998, 2003, '05, '07).
Individual: total professional wins (115), including PGA Tour (73), Champions Tour (10, including 8 are Majors). PGA Tour leading money winner (1964, '65, '67, '71, '72, '73, '75, '76). World Golf Hall of Fame (inducted in 1974). Donald Ross Award (2001, ASGCA). Don A. Rossi Award (2001, GCBAA). Old Tom Morris Award (2005, GCSAA).
Beyond golf: awarded the USA's highest civilian honours, the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005, by George W. Bush) and Congressional Gold Medal (2015).
Nicklaus Design has crafted over 370 golf courses, and Jack Nicklaus has had a leading role in designing almost 300 of them. Trying to list the best Nicklaus designs is therefore difficult, but some layouts that might be considered amongst "Jack's Best" are:
UNITED STATES:
Achasta, GA (2000) / Annandale, MS (1981) / Bay Creek, VA (2006, Nicklaus course) / Bayside, DE (2005, with Rick Jacobson) / Bear's Best Atlanta, GA (2002) / Bear's Best Las Vegas, NV (2002) / Bear's Club, FL (1999) / Bear Trace at Cumberland Mtn, TN (1998) / Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, TN (1999) / Bear Trace at Tims Ford, TN (1999) / Breckenridge, CO (1985) / Big Cedar, MO (2014, Top of the Rock course) / Bull at Pinehurst Farms, WI (2001) / Castle Pines, CO (1981) / Champions Retreat, GA (2005, The Bluff-nine) / Chickasaw, TN (2000) / Concession, FL (2006, with Tony Jacklin) / Cordillera, CO (2001, Summit course) / Cordillera Ranch, TX (2007) / Coyote Creek, CA (1999, Tournament course) / Coyote Springs, NV (2008) / Daufuskie Island, SC (1987, Melrose course) / Desert Highlands, AZ (1984) / Desert Mountain, AZ (1986, all six championship courses) / Dismal River, NE (2006, White course) / Dove Mountain, AZ (2009) / English Turn, LA (1988) / Golden Bear at Indigo Run (1992) / Golden Bear at Keene's Point, FL (1999) / Grand Bear, MS (1999) / Grand Cypress, FL (1984, N-S-E course; 1988, New course) / Grand Geneva, WI (1970, Highlands course with Pete Dye) / Grand Traverse, MI (1985, Bear course) / Greenbrier, WV (1978, modernisation of Greenbrier course) / Hammock Beach, FL (2000, Ocean course) / Hammock Creek, FL (1996, with Jack Jr) / Harbor Shores, MI (2010) / Harbour Town, SC (1969, with Pete & Alice Dye) / Hokuala, HI (1988, Ocean course, originally called Kauai Lagoons) / Hualalai, HI (1996, Hualalai course) / Kiawah Island, SC (1981, Turtle Point course) / Long Bay, NC (1989) / Manele, HI (1993) / Mansion Ridge, NY (1999) / May River, SC (2004) / Mayacama, CA (2001) / Montreux G&CC, NV (1997) / Muirfield Village, OH (1974) / North Palm Beach, FL (2006, major redesign) / Old Corkscrew, FL (2007) / Old Greenwood, CA (2004) / Old Works, MT (1994) / Pawleys Plantn, SC (1988) / PGA National, FL (2014, major redsign of Champion course) / PGA West, CA (1987, Tournament course) / Pinehurst, NC (1988, No.9 course, originally known as National GC) / Potomac Shores, VA (2014) / Pronghorn, OR (2004, Nicklaus course) / Reflection Bay, NV (1998) / Reunion, FL (2008, Nicklaus course) / Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA (1992, Gt Waters course) / Rocky Gap, MD (1998) / Ross Creek Landing, TN (2001) / Sebonack, NY (2005, with Tom Doak) / Sherwood CC, CA (1989) / Shoal Creek, AL (1977) / Snoqualmie Ridge, WA (1999) / Spring Creek Ranch, TN (1999) / St Andrew's, NY (1983, improvements) / Superstition Mtn, AZ (1999) / Sycamore Hills, IN (1987) / Trump Links at Ferry Point, NY (2014) / Valhalla, KY (1986).
CANADA:
Bear Mtn, BC (2003, Mountain course with son Steve) / Glen Abbey, Ont (1976) / Nicklaus North, BC (1996) / Northern Bear, Alb (2002).
CARIBBEAN, MEXICO & S AMERICA (Mexico unless stated otherwise):
Cabo del Sol (1994, Cove Club course, originally called Ocean course) / Chapelco, Arg (2006, with son Jack Jr) / El Dorado (1999) / El Rio (2008) / Moon Palace (2002) / Nordelta, Arg (2007) / Palmilla (1993) / Pilara, Arg (2013) / Puerto Los Cabos (2007, with Greg Norman) / Punta Espada at Cap Cana, Dom Rep (2006) / Punta Mita (1999, Pacifico course; 2009, Bahia course) / Quivira (2014) / Riviera Cancun 2008) / Royal Blue, Bahamas (2018) / Tres Marias (2004) / Vista Vallarta (2001, Nicklaus course) / Yucatan CC (2008, Jaguar course).
BRITAIN & IRELAND:
Carden Park, Eng (1998, with son Steve) / Gleneagles, Scot (1993, PGA Centenary course) / Killeen Castle, Ire (2009) / London GC, Eng (1993, Heritage course) / Mount Juliet, Ire (1991) / St Mellion, Eng (1988, Nicklaus course).
CONTINENTAL EUROPE:
Alhama, Spain (2009) / Gut Altentann, Aut (1989) / Gut Lärchenhof, Ger (1997) / La Moraleja, Spain (1975, No.1 course with Desmond Muirhead; 2011, No.3 course) / Le Robinie, Italy (1992) / Monte Rei, Port (2007) / Montecastillo, Spain (1992) / Paris International, Fra (1991) / Schloss Ludersburg, Ger (1999, Lakes course) / Skolkovo, Russia (2014) / Tseleevo, Russia (2008) / Ullna, Swe (2011, redesign).
ASIA:
Bintan Lagoon, Indonesia (1996, Sea View course) / Borneo G&CC, Malay (1995) / Chung Shan Hot Spring, China (1984, Nicklaus course, with Lee Schmidt) / Classic G&CC, India (1998) / Damai Indah BSD, Indonesia (1992) / Emeralda, Indonesia (1995, Plantation-nine) / Empire CC, Brunei (1997) / Forest City, Malay (2018, Legacy course with son Jack Jr) / Gapyeong Benest, S Kor (2000) / Hokkaido Classic, Jpn (1991) / Ishioka, Jpn (1994) / Khao Yai, Thai (1993) / Kirimaya, Thai (2005) / Laem Chabang, Thai (1995) / Lan Hai Intl, China (2011, Yangtze Dunes course, with son Jack Jr) / Legacy GC, Thai (1992) / Legends, Malay (1997, Championship course) / Manila Southwoods, Philippines (1992) / Mission Hills Kanchanaburi, Thai (1991) / Mission Hills Phuket, Thai (2004) / Mission Hills Shenzhen, China (1994, World Cup course) / New St Andrews, Jpn (1975, with Desmond Muirhead) / Pine Valley, China (1998) / Shanghai Links, China (1999) / Spring City, China (1998, Mountain course, with Schmidt-Curley) / Springfield Royal, Thai (1993) / Sungai Long, Malaysia (1992) / Taman Dayu, Indonesia (1995).
AUSTRALASIA & PACIFIC:
The Australian, Sydney (1976, redesign) / Heritage G&CC, Vic (2002, St John course) / Kinloch, NZ (2007) / Lakelands, Qld (1997) / LeoPalace, Guam (1993, Hibiscus & Orchid nines).
AFRICA (S Africa unless mentioned otherwise):
Houghton (2008, redesign) / Michlifen, Morocco (2018) / St Francis Links (2007) / Pearl Valley (2003) / Pecanwood (1998) / Serengeti (2009) / Simola (2005).
Inspired by the great Bobby Jones, Nicklaus started golfing at age 10, little knowing he would become arguably the greatest golfer of all time. Nicknamed the Golden Bear, he enjoyed many fascinating golfing duels firstly with Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, and subsequently with the likes of Lee Trevino and Tom Watson.
As a prolific tournament winner, with nerves of steel, Nicklaus claimed a record 18 major championship titles, as well as two wins in the U.S. Amateur Championship. He also finished second in 19 majors and third in nine. Between 1962 and 1986 he accumulated 73 wins on the PGA Tour, as well as numerous wins outside the US.
During the middle part of his career, Nicklaus established what became a highly successful golf course design business, which has produced over 300 top-quality courses, touching all parts of the globe. Nicklaus retired from professional tournament golf at the Open Championship in 2005.
America
Wendy's
Played as the (last) Wendy's Champions Skins Game (Jan 29/30; unofficial Champions Tr money event; four 2-man teams; alternate shot format). Defending champions Jack Nicklaus & Tom Watson won with a total of 7 skins worth $310,000. Second was Mark O'Meara & Bernhard Langer (Ger) 7 skins worth $300,000. Joint-Third was Fuzzy Zoeller & Ben Crenshaw and Fred Couples & Nick Price (Zim) 2 skins worth $80,000. (All players from USA unless mentioned otherwise). [Royal Ka'anapali GC, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii].
America
Wendy's
Played as Wendy's Champions Skins Game (Jan 16/17; unofficial Champions Tr money event; four 2-man teams; alternate shot format). Jack Nicklaus & Tom Watson won with a total of 10 skins worth $350,000. Second was Fuzzy Zoeller & Ben Crenshaw 5 skins worth $230,000. Third was Fred Couples & Nick Price (Zim) 3 skins worth $190,000. Gary Player (RSA) & Loren Roberts were shutout with no skins. (All players from USA unless indicated otherwise). [Royal Ka'anapali GC, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii].
America
Wendy's
Played as Wendy's Champions Skins Game (Jan 13/14; unofficial Champions Tr money event; four 2-man teams; alternate shot format). Jack Nicklaus & Tom Watson won with a total of 9 skins worth $320,000. Second was Gary Player (RSA) & Jay Haas 6 skins worth $290,000. Third was Arnold Palmer & Loren Roberts 1 skin worth $100,000. Fourth was Ray Floyd & Dana Quigley 2 skins worth $60,000. (All players from USA unless indicated otherwise). [Gold course, Wailea GC, Maui, Hawaii].
America
Wendy's
Played as Wendy's Champions Skins Game (Feb 5/6; four-man Champions Tr unofficial money event). Nicklaus (USA) won with a total of 11 skins worth $340,000. Second was Craig Stadler (USA) 5 skins worth $180,000. Third was defending champion Tom Watson (USA) 2 skins worth $80,000. Arnold Palmer (USA) was shutout with no skins. [Gold course, Wailea GC, Maui, Hawaii].
America
Hyundai
Played as the Hyundai Team Matches (Dec 16-17; unofficial post-season event involving four two-player teams from each of the LPGA, PGA and Snr PGA Tours; teams compete against other teams from their own tour). Defending champions Jack Nicklaus (USA) & Tom Watson (USA) beat Bruce Fleisher (USA) & David Graham (Aus) 4 and 2 in the final of the Snr PGA Tour matches. [North course, Pelican Hill GC, Newport Beach, CA].
America
Diners Club
Played as the Diners Club Matches (Dec 11/12; unofficial post-season event involving four two-player teams from each of the LPGA, PGA and Snr PGA Tours; teams compete against other teams from their own tour). Jack Nicklaus (USA) & Tom Watson (USA) beat Bruce Fleisher (USA) & David Graham (Aus) by 1 hole in the final of the Snr PGA Tour matches. [North course, Pelican Hill GC, Newport Beach, CA].
America
Office Depot
Played as the Office Depot Father/Son Challenge (Dec 4/5; post-season 36-hole scramble event). Jack & Gary Nicklaus (USA) beat Raymond & Robert Floyd (USA) with a birdie at the third playoff hole. [Talon course, TwinEagles Club, Naples, FL].
America
GTE
Played as the GTE Suncoast Classic (Feb 16-18). Second-placed J.C. Snead (USA) finished 1 shot behind Nicklaus (USA). [TPC Tampa Bay, Lutz, nr Tampa, FL].
Majors
x
Played as The Tradition (April 4-7). Second-placed Hale Irwin (USA) finished 3 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who recorded the last of his ten Snr PGA Tour victories, and eighth senior major title. [Cochise course, Desert Mountain GC, Scottsdale, AZ].
Majors
x
Played as The Tradition (Mar 30-Apr 2). Nicklaus (USA) beat Isao Aoki (Jpn) with a birdie at the third playoff hole. [Cochise course, Desert Mountain GC, Scottsdale, AZ].
America
Mercedes
Played as the Mercedes Championships (Jan 6-9; Senior PGA Tour season-opener). Second-placed Bob Murphy (USA) finished 1 shot behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who recorded his seventh win on the Tour, and first that wasn't a senior major championship. [North course, La Costa Resort, Carlsbad, Calif. Now known as Champions course].
Majors
USGA
The US Senior Open (July 8-11). Second-placed Tom Weiskopf (USA) finished 1 shot behind Nicklaus (USA), who won this event for the second time in three years. Nicklaus recorded his sixth Snr PGA Tour win ... all of them coming in senior major championships. [Cherry Hills CC, Englewood, Denver, CO].
Majors
x
Played as The Tradition at Desert Mountain (April 4-7). Second-placed Jim Colbert (USA), Phil Rodgers (USA) and Jim Dent (USA) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Nicklaus (USA). [Cochise course, Desert Mountain GC, Scottsdale, AZ].
Majors
PGA of America
Played as the PGA Seniors' Championship (April 18-21). Second-placed Bruce Crampton (Aus) finished 6 shots behind wire-to-wire winner Nicklaus (USA), who recorded back-to-back senior major championship wins. [Champion course, PGA National Resort, Palm Beach Gdns, FL].
America
x
Played as the Senior Skins Game (Jan 26/27; five-man Snr PGA Tr unofficial money event). Nicklaus (USA) won with a total of 10 skins worth $310,000. Second was Lee Trevino (USA) 7 skins worth $125,000. Third was defending champion Arnold Palmer (USA) 1 skin worth $15,000. Gary Player (RSA) and Chi Chi Rodriguez (PR/USA) were shutout with no skins. [South course, Mauna Lani Resort, Puako, Big Island, Hawaii].
Majors
USGA
The US Senior Open (July 25-28). Nicklaus (USA) beat Chi Chi Rodriguez (PR/USA) in an 18-hole playoff (Nicklaus 65, Rodriguez 69). This win gave Nicklaus three of the four senior major championship titles of 1991. [South course, Oakland Hills CC, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan].
Majors
Mazda
Played as the Mazda Senior Tournament Players Championship (June 7-10). Second-placed Lee Trevino (USA) finished 6 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [Dearborn CC, Dearborn, Detroit, Michigan].
Majors
x
Played as The Tradition at Desert Mountain (Mar 29-Apr 1). Second-placed Gary Player (RSA) finished 4 shots behind first-time Snr PGA Tour winner Nicklaus (USA), who claimed the first of his eight senior major titles. [Cochise course, Desert Mountain GC, Scottsdale, AZ].
Majors
x
The Masters Tournament (50th) (April 10-13). Second-placed Tom Kite (USA) and Greg Norman (Aus) finished 1 shot behind 46-year-old Nicklaus (USA). A back-nine 30 on the final day allowed Nicklaus, the oldest ever Masters winner, to claim his sixth Masters green jacket, 18th professional major championship, and last of his 73 PGA Tour wins. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].
America
x
Played as the Skins Game (Nov 24/25; four-man PGA Tour unofficial money event). With an 8-foot putt on the final green, Nicklaus (USA) won the 9 skins worth $240,000 that had built up on the back-nine. Second was Tom Watson (USA), who won all 9 skins on the front-nine, which were worth $120,000. Arnold Palmer (USA) and defending champion Gary Player (RSA) were both shut out with no skins. [Desert Highlands GC, Scottsdale, Arizona].
America
x
Played as The Memorial Tournament (May 24-27). Nicklaus (USA) beat Andy Bean (USA) with a par at the third playoff hole. [Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, nr Columbus, OH].
America
Chrysler
Played as the inaugural Chrysler Team Championship (Dec 15-18; PGA Tr post-season two-man better-ball unofficial money event). Second-placed Al Geiberger & Peter Oosterhuis (Eng) finished 1 shot behind winning team of Johnny Miller & Jack Nicklaus. Reduced to 54 holes due to rain. [No.1 course, Boca West CC, Boca Raton, FL. Earlier rounds also used the No.2 course, and Broken Sound Club, Boca Raton].
America
x
Played as the Colonial National Invitation (May 13-16). Second-placed Andy North (USA) finished 3 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA). [Colonial CC, Ft Worth, TX].
Majors
USGA
The US Open (80th) (June 12-15). Second-placed Isao Aoki (Jpn) finished 2 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). Nicklaus's 272 was a record low score in US Open history. This was the last of Nicklaus's four US Open wins. [Lower course, Baltusrol GC, Springfield, NJ].
Majors
PGA of America
The US PGA Championship (62nd) (Aug 7-10). Second-placed Andy Bean (USA) finished 7 shots behind 40-year-old Nicklaus (USA), who recorded his 70th PGA Tour win, the last of his five US PGA titles, and 17th of 18 major championship victories. [East Course, Oak Hill CC, Pittsford, Rochester, NY].
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Open (Nov 16-19). Second-placed Ben Crenshaw (USA) finished 6 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who posted the last of his six Australian Open wins. [The Australian GC, Rosebery, Sydney, Aus].
America
x
Played as the Tournament Players Championship (March 16-19). Second-placed Lou Graham (USA) finished 1 shot behind Nicklaus (USA), who won this event for the third time in its five year history. [Sawgrass CC, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Played on the Oceanside course, a combination of the East & West nines].
America
IVB
Played as the IVB Philadelphia Golf Classic (July 20-23). Second-placed Gil Morgan (USA) finished 1 shot behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who claimed his third win in this event. [Whitemarsh Valley CC, Lafayette Hill, nr Philadelphia, PA].
Majors
R&A
The Open Championship (107th) (July 12-15). Second-placed Simon Owen (NZ), Tom Kite (USA), Raymond Floyd (USA) and Ben Crenshaw (USA) finished 2 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [The Old Course, St Andrews, Fife].
America
Jackie Gleason
Played as Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic (Feb 23-26). Second-placed Grier Jones (USA) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Nicklaus (USA), who birdied the final five holes for a closing round of 65. [East course, Inverrary CC, Ft Lauderdale, FL].
America
MONY
Played as the MONY Tournament of Champions (April 14-17). Nicklaus (USA) beat Bruce Lietzke (USA) with a birdie at the third playoff hole. This was the last of Nicklaus's five wins in this event. [North course, La Costa Resort, Carlsbad, Calif. Now known as Champions course].
America
x
Played as The Memorial Tournament (May 19-22). Second-placed Hubert Green (USA) finished 2 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, nr Columbus, OH].
America
Jackie Gleason
Played as Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic (Feb 24-27). Second-placed Gary Player (RSA) finished 5 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [East course, Inverrary CC, Ft Lauderdale, FL].
America
x
Played as the World Series of Golf (Sept 2-5; for the first time an official PGA Tour 72-hole event). Second-placed Hale Irwin (USA) finished 4 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA). [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].
Awards
PGA of America
Nicklaus (USA) won his fifth (and second straight) PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).
Awards
PGA Tour
Nicklaus (USA) won his eighth (and second straight) PGA Tour leading money winner title, with 1976 season earnings of $266,439 on the Tour. Ben Crenshaw (USA) was second with $257,759; Hale Irwin (USA) was third with $252,718.
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Open (Oct 28-31). Second-placed Curtis Strange (USA) finished 4 shots behind defending champion Nicklaus (USA), who recorded the fifth of his six Australian Open wins. [The Australian GC, Rosebery, Sydney, Aus].
America
x
Played as the Tournament Players Championship (Feb 26-Mar 1). Second-placed Jesse Carlyle "J.C." Snead (USA) finished 3 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who recorded his second win in three years in this event. In his first win, Snead also finished second. Monday finish required due to earlier bad weather. [East course, Inverrary CC, Ft Lauderdale, FL].
Played as the Doral-Eastern Open (March 13-16). Second-placed Forrest Fezler (USA) and Bert Yancey (USA) finished 3 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who recorded his second win in this event. [Blue Monster course, Doral Resort, Miami, FL].
Majors
PGA of America
The US PGA Championship (57th) (Aug 7-10). Second-placed Bruce Crampton (Aus) finished 2 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who recorded his fourth of five US PGA titles, and 14th major championship win. [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].
America
Sea Pines
Played as the Sea Pines Heritage Classic (March 27-30). Second-placed Tom Weiskopf (USA) finished 3 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [Harbour Town Links, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head, SC].
Awards
PGA of America
Nicklaus (USA) won his fourth PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).
America
x
Played as the World Open Golf Championship (Sept 11-14). Nicklaus (USA) beat Billy Casper (USA) with a par at the first playoff hole. [No.2 course, Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina].
Majors
x
The Masters Tournament (39th) (April 10-13). Second-placed Tom Weiskopf (USA) and Johnny Miller (USA) finished 1 shot behind Nicklaus (USA), who recorded the fifth of his six wins in The Masters. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].
Awards
PGA Tour
Nicklaus (USA) won his seventh PGA Tour leading money winner title, with 1975 season earnings of $298,149 on the Tour. Johnny Miller (USA) was second with $226,118; Tom Weiskopf (USA) was third with $219,140.
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Open (Oct 30-Nov 2). Second-placed Bill Brask (USA) finished 3 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who posted the fourth of his six Australian Open wins. [The Australian GC, Rosebery, Sydney, Aus].
America
x
Played as the Hawaiian Open (Jan 31-Feb 3). Second-placed Eddie Pearce (USA) finished 3 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA). [Waialae CC, Honolulu, Hawaii].
America
x
Played as the inaugural Tournament Players Championship (Aug 29-Sept 2). Second-placed Jesse Carlyle "J.C." Snead (USA) finished 2 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [Atlanta CC, Marietta, GA].
America
x
Played as the Atlanta Classic (May 24-27). Second-placed Tom Weiskopf (USA) finished 2 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [Atlanta CC, Marietta, Georgia].
Awards
PGA Tour
Nicklaus (USA) won his sixth (and third straight) PGA Tour leading money winner title, with 1973 season earnings of $308,362 on the Tour. Bruce Crampton (Aus) was second with $274,266; Tom Weiskopf (USA) was third with $245,463.
Awards
PGA of America
Nicklaus (USA) won his third (and second straight) PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).
America
Bing Crosby
Played as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am (Jan 25-28). Defending champion Nicklaus (USA) beat Raymond Floyd (USA) and Orville Moody (USA) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [Pebble Beach Links, Monterey Peninsula, CA. Earlier rounds also at: Cypress Point Club and Spyglass Hill GC].
America
Disney World
Played as the Walt Disney World Classic (Nov 28-Dec 1). Second-placed Mason Rudolph (USA) finished 1 shot behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who claimed his third straight win in this event. [Magnolia course, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL. Earlier rounds also played on the Palm course].
America
x
Played as the Tournament of Champions (April 19-22). Second-placed Lee Trevino (USA) finished 1 shot behind Nicklaus (USA), who recorded the fourth of his five wins in this event. [North course, La Costa Resort, Carlsbad, Calif. Now known as Champions course].
Majors
PGA of America
The US PGA Championship (55th) (Aug 9-12). Second-placed Bruce Crampton (Aus) finished 4 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who recorded the third of his five PGA Championship wins. [Canterbury GC, Beachwood, Ohio].
America
x
Played as the Ohio Kings Island Open (Oct 4-7). Second-placed Lee Trevino (USA) finished 6 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who immediately donated the winner's cheque to two charities. ["The Grizzly" course, City of Mason Golf Ctr, Mason, OH; at the time called Nicklaus Golf Ctr].
America
x
Played as the Greater New Orleans Open (March 22-25). Jack Nicklaus (USA) beat Miller Barber (USA) with a birdie at the second playoff hole. [Lakewood GC, New Orleans, LA].
Played as the Doral-Eastern Open (March 2-5). Second-placed Lee Trevino (USA) and Bob Rosburg (USA) finished 2 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who recorded his 40th PGA Tour win. [Blue Monster course, Doral Resort, Miami, FL].
America
L&M Tobacco
Played as the U.S. Professional Match Play Championship (Aug 26/27). Jack Nicklaus (USA) beat Frank Beard (USA) 2 and 1 in the final. [CC of North Carolina, Pinehurst, NC]. Note: 16-player event comprising the leading eight players from first two rounds of the Leggitt & Myers Open, who switched into the match play event, joining eight invited exempt players. Played in parallel with the last two rounds of the Liggett & Myers Open on the same course.
Majors
USGA
The US Open (72nd) (Jun 15-18). Second-placed Bruce Crampton (Aus) finished 3 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). This was the third of Nicklaus's four US Open wins. [Pebble Beach Golf Links, Monterey Peninsula, CA].
America
Bing Crosby
Played as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am (Jan 13-16). Nicklaus (USA) beat Johnny Miller (USA) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [Pebble Beach Links, Monterey Peninsula, CA. Earlier rounds also at: Cypress Point Club and Spyglass Hill GC].
America
x
Played as the Westchester Classic (Aug 10-13). Second-placed Jim Colbert (USA) finished 3 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [West course, Westchester CC, Rye, NY].
America
Disney World
Played as the Walt Disney World Open (Nov 30-Dec 3). Second-placed Jim Dent (USA), Bobby Mitchell (USA) and Larry Wood (USA) finished 9 shots behind defending champion Jack Nicklaus (USA). [Magnolia course, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL. Earlier rounds also played on the Palm course].
Awards
PGA of America
Nicklaus (USA) won his second PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).
Awards
PGA Tour
Nicklaus (USA) won his fifth (and second straight) PGA Tour leading money winner title, with 1972 season earnings of $316,911 on the Tour. Lee Trevino (USA) was second with $207,254; George Archer (USA) was third with $140,254. For the second straight year Trevino (USA) was the second highest money winner behind Nicklaus (USA).
Majors
x
The Masters Tournament (36th) (April 6-9). Second-placed Bruce Crampton (Aus), Bobby Mitchell (USA) and Tom Weiskopf (USA) finished 3 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who claimed the fourth of his six Masters wins. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].
America
Disney World
Played as the inaugural Walt Disney World Open (Dec 2-6). Second-placed Deane Beman (USA) finished 3 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA). Monday finish required after Friday's play lost to rain. [Magnolia course, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL. Earlier rounds also played on the Palm course].
America
x
Played as the Tournament of Champions (April 22-25). Second-placed Bruce Devlin (Aus), Gary Player (RSA) and Dave Stockton (USA) finished 8 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who recorded the third of his five wins in this event. [North course, La Costa Resort, Carlsbad, Calif. Now known as Champions course].
America
x
Played as the Byron Nelson Golf Classic (May 6-9). Second-placed Frank Beard (USA) and Jerry McGee (USA) finished 2 shots behind defending champion Nicklaus (USA). [Preston Trail GC, Dallas, TX].
Played as the National Team Championship
Awards
PGA Tour
Nicklaus (USA) won his fourth PGA Tour leading money winner, with 1971 season earnings of $244,490 on the Tour. Lee Trevino (USA) was second with $231,202; Arnold Palmer (USA) was third with $209,603.
Majors
PGA of America
The US PGA Championship (53rd) (Feb 25-28). Second-placed Billy Casper (USA) finished 2 shots behind wire-to-wire winner Nicklaus (USA), who claimed the second of his five US PGA titles. [East Course, BallenIsles CC, Palm Beach Gdns, FL. at the time known as the Champions course, PGA National GC].
Aus/NZ
Qantas
Played as the Qantas Australian Open (Oct 28-31). Second-placed Bruce Crampton (Aus) finished 8 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who posted the third of six Australian Open wins. [Royal Hobart GC, Seven Mile Beach, Tasmania].
America
x
Second-placed Gary Player (RSA) finished 7 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who won the International Trophy for best individual score in the World Cup of Golf. Team winners of the Cup: Jack Nicklaus & Lee Trevino (USA). [East Course, BallenIsles CC, Palm Beach Gdns, FL; at the time known as the PGA National GC].
Majors
R&A
The Open Championship (99th) (July 8-11). Nicklaus (USA) beat Doug Sanders (USA) in an 18-hole playoff: Nicklaus 72 (E), Sanders 73 (+1). This was the first time an 18-hole versus 36-hole playoff had decided the Open. [The Old Course, St Andrews, Fife].
Europe
Piccadilly
Played as the Piccadilly World Match Play Championship (Oct 8-10; field of eight players). Nicklaus (USA) beat Lee Trevino (USA) 2 and 1 in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].
America
x
Played as the World Series of Golf (Sept 12/13; unofficial four-man 36-hole exhibition event for the season's four major championship winners). First (on 136): Jack Nicklaus (USA; British Open). Second (139): Billy Casper (USA; Masters) and Dave Stockton (USA; US PGA). Fourth (141): Tony Jacklin (Eng; US Open). [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].
Played as the National Four-Ball Championship.
America
x
Played as the Byron Nelson Golf Classic (April 30-May 3). Nicklaus (USA) beat Arnold Palmer (USA) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [Preston Trail GC, Dallas, TX].
America
Kaiser Intl.
Played as the Kaiser International Open Invitational (Oct 31-Nov 3). Jack Nicklaus (USA) beat George Archer (USA) and Billy Casper (USA) with a birdie at the second playoff hole, to record his 30th PGA Tour win. Don January (USA) was eliminated at the first playoff hole. Monday finish required as darkness set in on Sunday. [North course, Silverado Resort, Napa, CA]. Note: Also in 1969, Miller Barber won a January edition of this event, which was cut from 72 to 36 holes due to rain. The rain-shortened event prompted the arranging of this second 1969 edition in November.
America
Andy Williams
Played as the Andy Williams San Diego Open Invitational (Jan 30-Feb 2). Second-placed Gene Littler (USA) finished 1 shot behind Nicklaus (USA). [South course, Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA].
America
Sahara Hotel
Played as the Sahara Invitational (Oct 16-19). Second-placed Frank Beard (USA) finished 4 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who won this title for the third time in four years, and for the fourth time overall. [Las Vegas National GC, Las Vegas, NV; at the time known as Sahara-Nevada CC; originally the Stardust CC].
America
WGA
Played as the Western Open (Aug 1-4). Second-placed Miller Barber (USA) finished 3 shots behind defending champion Jack Nicklaus (USA). [Olympia Fields CC, nr Chicago, IL].
America
x
Played as the American Golf Classic (Aug 8-11). Jack Nicklaus (USA) beat PGA Tour rookie Lee Elder (USA) at the fifth playoff hole (par-4 17th), to win for the second consecutive week. Frank Beard (USA) was eliminated at the first playoff hole. [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Open (Oct 24-27). Second-placed Gary Player (RSA) finished 1 shot behind Nicklaus (USA), who recorded the second of his six Australian Open wins. An 8-foot birdie putt at the last hole clinched it for the Golden Bear. [Lake Karrinyup CC, Perth, WA, Aus].
America
x
Played as the World Series of Golf (Sept 9/10; unofficial four-man 36-hole exhibition event for the season's four major championship winners). First (on 144): Jack Nicklaus (USA; US PGA). Second (145): Gay Brewer Jr (USA; Masters). Third (146): Roberto de Vicenzo (Arg; British Open). Fourth (151): Don January (USA; US PGA). Won by Jack Nicklaus (USA). [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].
America
x
Played as the inaugural Westchester Classic (Aug 27-30). Second-placed Dan Sikes (USA) finished 1 shot behind Nicklaus (USA). [West course, Westchester CC, Rye, NY].
America
Bing Crosby
Played as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am (Jan 19-22). Second-placed Billy Casper (USA) finished 5 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [Pebble Beach Links, Monterey Peninsula, CA. Earlier rounds also at: Cypress Point Club and Spyglass Hill GC].
America
Sahara Hotel
Played as the Sahara Invitational (Oct 26-28). Second-placed Steve Spray (USA) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Jack Nicklaus (USA), who recorded his 25th PGA Tour win. [Paradise Valley CC, Henderson, NV; now called Wildhorse GC].
Awards
PGA of America
Nicklaus (USA) won his third PGA Tour leading money winner title, with 1967 season earnings of $188,988 on the Tour. Arnold Palmer (USA) was second on the money list. Arnold Palmer (USA) was second with $184,065; Billy Casper (USA) was third with $129,423.
Awards
PGA of America
Nicklaus (USA) won the PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).
Majors
USGA
The US Open (67th) (Jun 15-18). Second-placed Arnold Palmer (USA) finished 4 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). This was the second of Nicklaus's four US Open wins. [Lower course, Baltusrol GC, Springfield, NJ].
America
WGA
Played as the Western Open (Aug 3-6). Second-placed Doug Sanders (USA) finished 2 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [Beverly CC, Chicago, IL].
Majors
R&A
The Open Championship (95th) (July 6-9). Second-placed Dave Thomas (Wales) and Doug Sanders (USA) finished 1 shot behind Nicklaus (USA). [Muirfield - The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, East Lothian].
Majors
x
The Masters Tournament (30th) (April 7-11). Defending champion Nicklaus (USA) beat Gay Brewer (USA) and Tommy Jacobs (USA) in an 18-hole playoff: Nicklaus 70 (-2), Jacobs 72 (E), Brewer 78 (+6). This was the third of Nicklaus's six wins in The Masters. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].
America
Sahara Hotel
Played as the Sahara Invitational (Oct 12-15). Second-placed Arnold Palmer (USA) and Miller Barber (USA) finished 3 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who recorded his 20th PGA Tour win. [Paradise Valley CC, Henderson, NV; now called Wildhorse GC].
Majors
x
The Masters Tournament (29th) (April 8-11). Second-placed Arnold Palmer (USA) and Gary Player (RSA) finished 9 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who recorded the second of his six Masters wins. Nicklaus's 271 overtook the previous record low Masters score of 274 established by Hogan 12 years earlier. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].
America
x
Played as the Philadelphia Golf Classic (Aug 5-8; formerly called the Whitemarsh Open). Second-placed Doug Sanders (USA) and Joe Campbell (USA) finished 2 shot behind defending champion Jack Nicklaus (USA), whose 45-foot putt for a birdie-three on the 71st hole set-up the win. [Whitemarsh Valley CC, Lafayette Hill, nr Philadelphia, PA].
Awards
PGA of America
Nicklaus (USA) won his second straight PGA Tour leading money winner title, with 1965 season earnings of $140,752 on the Tour. Tony Lema (USA) was second with $101,816; Billy Casper (USA) was third with $99,931.
America
x
Played as the Thunderbird Classic. Second-placed Gary Player (RSA) finished 2 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [Westchester CC, Rye, NY].
America
x
Played as the Memphis Open Invitational (May 20-23). Nicklaus (USA) beat Johnny Pott (USA) with a par at the first playoff hole. [Colonial CC, White Station, Memphis, TN. Club relocated to Cordova, nr Memphis in 1972].
America
x
Played as the Portland Open Invitational (Sept 16-19). Second-placed Dave Marr (USA) finished 3 shots behind defending champion Jack Nicklaus (USA), who won this event for the third time in four years. [Portland GC, Portland, Oregon].
Awards
PGA of America
Nicklaus (USA) was the PGA Tour 1964 leading money winner, with earnings of $113,284 on the Tour. Arnold Palmer (USA) was second with $113,203; Billy Casper (USA) was third with $90,130.
America
x
Played as the Portland Open Invitational (Sept 17-20). Second-placed Ken Venturi (USA) finished 3 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who won this event for the second time in three years. [Portland GC, Portland, Oregon].
America
x
Played as the Tournament of Champions (Apr 30-May 3). Second-placed Al Geiberger (USA) and Doug Sanders (USA) finished 2 shots behind defending champion Nicklaus (USA), who recorded the second of his five wins in this event. [Wynn Las Vegas, Nevada; at the time known as Desert Inn CC].
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Open (Oct 29-Nov 1). Nicklaus (USA) beat Bruce Devlin (Aus) in an 18-hole playoff (Nicklaus 67, Devlin 70), to record the first of his six Australian Open wins. [The Lakes GC, Sydney, Aus].
America
x
Played as the Whitemarsh Open (July 2-5; PGA Tour invitational event). Second-placed Gary Player (RSA) finished 1 shot behind Jack Nicklaus (USA). [Whitemarsh Valley CC, Lafayette Hill, nr Philadelphia, PA].
America
x
Second-placed Arnold Palmer (USA) finished 2 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who won the International Trophy for the second straight year for best individual score in the Canada Cup. Team winners of the Cup: Arnold Palmer & Jack Nicklaus (USA). [Royal Ka'anapali course, Ka'anapali Resort, Maui, Hawaii; at the time known as the North course].
America
x
Played as the Phoenix Open Invitational (Feb 6-9). Second-placed Bobby Brue (USA) finished 3 shots behind Nicklaus (USA). [Phoenix CC, Phoenix, AZ].
America
x
Played as the Palm Springs Golf Classic (Jan 30-Feb 4). Nicklaus (USA) beat Gary Player (RSA) in an 18-hole Monday playoff (Nicklaus 65, Player 73). [Indian Wells CC, Coachella Valley, CA. Earlier rounds also at: Bermuda Dunes CC; Tamarisk CC; Eldorado CC].
Majors
PGA of America
The US PGA Championship (45th) (July 18-21). Second-placed Dave Ragan (USA) finished 2 shots behind 23-year-old Nicklaus (USA), who recorded his first of five US PGA titles, and third major championship win. [Blue course, Dallas Athletic Club, Dallas, TX].
Majors
x
The Masters Tournament (27th) (April 4-10). Second-placed Tony Lema (USA) finished 1 shot behind Nicklaus (USA), who claimed his second major championship win, and first of six wins in The Masters. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].
Europe
x
Second-placed Sebastian Miguel (Esp) and Gary Player (RSA) finished 5 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who won the International Trophy for best individual score in the Canada Cup. Team winners of the Cup: Arnold Palmer & Jack Nicklaus (USA). Played over 63 holes due to fog. [Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche, nr Paris, France].
America
x
Played as the Tournament of Champions (May 2-5). Second-placed Tony Lema (USA) and Arnold Palmer (USA) finished 5 shots behind Nicklaus (USA), who recorded the first of his five wins in this event. [Wynn Las Vegas, Nevada; at the time known as Desert Inn CC].
America
x
Played as the World Series of Golf (Sept 7/8; unofficial four-man 36-hole exhibition event for the season's four major championship winners). Winner (on 140): defending champion Jack Nicklaus (USA; Masters and US PGA). Second (141): Julius Boros (USA; US Open). Third (143): Arnold Palmer (USA; playoff loser in US Open, who gained entry after beating the two other major championship playoff losers, Jacky Cupit and Phil Rodgers). Fourth (147): Bob Charles (NZ; British Open). [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].
America
Sahara Hotel
Played as the Sahara Invitational (Oct 17-20). Second-placed Gay Brewer (USA) and Al Geiberger (USA) finished 1 shot behind Jack Nicklaus (USA). [Paradise Valley CC, Henderson, NV; now called Wildhorse GC].
America
x
Played as the Seattle World's Fair Open Invitational (Sept 13-16). Second-placed Tony Lema (USA) finished 2 shots behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who recorded his second PGA Tour win. A week later he annexed his third win, claiming the Portland Open title. [Broadmoor GC, Seattle, WA].
America
x
Played as the inaugural World Series of Golf (Sept 8/9; unofficial 36-hole exhibition event for the three players who won the season's four major championships). First (on 135): 22-year-old Jack Nicklaus (USA; US Open). Second (139): Gary Player (RSA; US PGA) and Arnold Palmer (USA; Masters and British Open). [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].
Majors
USGA
The US Open (62nd) (Jun 14-17). First-time major championship winner Nicklaus (USA) beat Arnold Palmer (USA) in an 18-hole playoff: Nicklaus 71 (E), Palmer 74 (+3). This was the first of Nicklaus's four US Open wins. [Oakmont CC, nr Pittsburgh, PA].
America
x
Played as the Portland Open Invitational (Sept 20-23). Second-placed George Bayer (USA) finished 1 shot behind Jack Nicklaus (USA), who won on the PGA Tour for the second straight week. [Columbia Edgewater CC, Portland, OR].
Amateur
USGA
The US Amateur Championship (61st) (Sept 11-16). Jack Nicklaus (USA) beat Dudley Wysong Jr (USA) 8 and 6 in the 36-hole final. [Pebble Beach Links, Monterey Peninsula, Calif.].
Amateur
USGA
The US Amateur Championship (59th) (Sept 14-19). 19-year-old Jack Nicklaus (USA) beat defending champion Charles Coe (USA) 1 up in the 36-hole final. [East course, The Broadmoor GC, Colorado Springs, Colo.].
The Sentry: known for many years as the Tournament of Champions, the PGA Tour’s 2025 season-opener gets underway on Kapalua’s Plantation course (Jan 2-5). Chris Kirk defends.
Tournament of Champions: the LPGA Tour’s 2025 season is launched at Lake Nona with the their Tournament of Champions (Jan 30-Feb 2). The 2024 edition gave Lydia Ko her 20th LPGA Tour title.
Attahya Thitikul: also known as “Jeeno”, the Thai golfer won the LPGA Tour’s 2024 CME Group Tour Championship … and an eye-watering $4 million, the richest first-prize in women’s golf.
Rory McIlroy: scooped the 2024 European (DP World) Tour season-long Order of Merit title, joining Seve Ballesteros as a six-time winner of this prestigious award.
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.
Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
You can subscribe to the Where2Golf channel on YT if you like to see more video content. You'll find a "Subscribe" button on any of our YouTube videos. Or if you want a quick and direct access subscribe here. Once done, any new published videos will show up in your Subscriptions feed.
