The Golden Bear

Jack Nicklaus, one of my all-time heroes, turned 70 yesterday.  Hard to believe.  Nicklaus was the greatest golfer I watched growing up, and I was a huge fan. I even strongly considered going to Ohio State University because that was his alma mater.  I hope to get there one day just to visit the Jack Nicklaus Museum.


I got to see him play a number of times; his level of concentration and focus was amazing.  Plus, I was at the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and saw him finish his final U.S. Open round - quite a thrill.


This is my favorite picture of Jack:

It's from the 1986 Masters, which he won at the age of 46 (the oldest ever).  This picture was taken as he dropped a birdie putt at number 17 as part of a 30 on the back nine.


He'll be at the Masters this year, along with Arnold Palmer, as one of the two honorary starters.  I am going there for the first time ever this April (thank you Barry!), but Nicklaus and Palmer will tee off on Thursday and I don't arrive until Friday.  Still.  


A day late, but happy birthday Jack.