Jack Nickalus turns one year older on January 21st. In his (almost) 83 years of life, he’s accomplished a lot – from his first hole in one at age 14 to being called the “golfer of the century”. To celebrate The Golden Bear, we’re sharing our 5 favorite facts about the life and legacy of the esteemed golfer.
1. He’s Won Over 117 Professional Tournaments
Jack Nicklaus started playing golf when he was just 10 years old, over the next few decades, he rose to the top and won over 117 professional tournaments. Of the major tournaments, Nicklaus won six Masters tournaments, five PGA Championships, Four US Open Titles, and Three British Opens.
2. He Played Football Too
While attending the Ohio State University, Nicklaus played football while studying to be a pharmacist. Before then, he was the quarterback of his high school team! It’s clear that Jack Nicklaus was a natural athlete. He even played basketball and baseball as well.
3. He Has 5 Children
Nicklaus is as much of a family man as he is a golfer. Jack married his college sweetheart Barbra Nicklaus and together they had 5 children – Jack, Steven, Nancy, Gary, and Michael! Now, he’s a happy grandfather to 22 grandkids.
4. He’s Very Charitable
Charity and giving back is a huge part of Jack Nicklaus’s life. He and his wife founded the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation – “Fore The Children.” According to the website, the two started the foundation “in 2004, in an effort to provide families access to world-class pediatric healthcare.”
5. He Designs Golf Courses
Yes! The golf legend himself is an amazing designer. Nicklaus owns Nicklaus design, and with his wonderful team, he has designed hundreds of courses across the world. One of which belongs at The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando! Our guests wake up each morning on the spectacular fairways of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. In the first such partnership with the golf legend, The Bear’s Den luxury resort homes pay homage to the perfection that defined Nicklaus’s game with the quality and details that you are certain to appreciate.
With such a legacy, we are proud to have Jack Nicklaus, The Golden Bear, be the namesake and inspiration of our resort. Happy birthday, Jack!
