Jack Nicklaus: Golf's Golden Champion

Only a little more time to view "Jack Nicklaus: Golfs Golden Champion"! The exhibit that opened in conjunction with the 2007 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is on display through December 31, 2008.

To read Mr. Nicklaus' comments on the exhibit, click here.

Golfs Greatest Champion
Nicklaus indelible impact on the game of golf began at age 10, the year he first picked up a golf club and carded a 51 in the first nine holes he ever played. The exhibition covers his youth and storied amateur career and extends through the greatest professional career to date, showcasing artifacts, memorabilia, photos, video and text.

Key artifacts on display:

• The golf bag he used for the 2000 U.S. Open, the final U.S. Open in which he competed
• Golf ball used in the 1972 U.S. Open
• First hole-in-one as a professional golf ball (Hole No. 3, Colonial Country Club, Memphis, Tenn., Memphis Invitational Open, May 27, 1963)
• Set of MacGregor Tommy Armour irons used from 1960-1967, including three Masters, one U.S. Open, one PGA, one U.S. Amateur, plus 20 additional PGA TOUR events
• Scorecard from his all-time lowest scored round, 59 (Pine Valley Golf Course, early 1960s)
• Money clips from inaugural 1974 Tournament Players Championship, 1976 and 1978 tournaments, all of which he won
• Scorecards from 1962 U.S. Open, 1966 Masters Tournament and Open Championship victories
• The Memorial Trophy he won in 1984, as well as the new design of the trophy
• Numerous gifts and mementos Nicklaus has been given throughout the years for his success, including Masters Eagle drinking glasses, player of the year plaque and more
• 1999 Sports Illustrated Male Athlete of the 20th Century Award
• An original Andy Warhol featuring Nicklaus that was commissioned in the 1970s as part of a series featuring Americas best athletes
• An inspirational video features highlights from each of Nicklaus 18 major championships

The Golden Circle
This area of the exhibit focuses on Nicklaus upbringing and the impact that family and friends have had on him as a person. Anchored by a fabricated pharmacy store front and soda shop that represent the countless hours Nicklaus spent with his father, Charlie, a well-known pharmacist, this area focuses on significant relationships throughout his life. The exhibition features letters and photos taken over the years, providing a glimpse into his friendships with other Hall of Fame members and dignitaries, and the inspiration he drew from them. The Golden Circle also recognizes the foundation in his life that his wife, Barbara, and their five children and numerous grandchildren have provided.

Key artifacts on display:

• "Charles Nicklaus Registered Pharmacist counter sign and prescription bottle
• Framed photo of Jack Nicklaus (personally owned by his mother, Helen)
• 1946 Indianola Elementary School first grade progress report card and Upper Arlington High School diploma from 1957
• Letters from fellow Hall of Fame members Ben Hogan, Deane Beman, Greg Norman, Patty Berg and Bob Hope, as well as such politicians and celebrities as George H.W. Bush, Hillary Clinton, Frank Sinatra and Sean Connery
• 1959 Ohio State University Homecoming Queen Ballot Barbara Nicklaus
• 1960 Jack and Barbara Nicklaus wedding invitation
• 1970 Father of the Year Award from The National Fathers Day Committee
• 1979 Athlete of the Decade award (selected by sportswriters)
• 1998 PGA First Lady of Golf honor Barbara Nicklaus
• A 2000 PGA Championship clock given as a gift from Tiger Woods
• Videos include interviews with Nicklaus family, who speak candidly about their father, relate personal anecdotes and what it is like having the greatest golfer as their husband and dad, as well as footage from home movies and early video from his amateur career.

A Gentle Bear
The Nicklaus have long devoted time and resources to a number of charitable causes, including the Nicklaus Childrens Healthcare Foundation in West Palm Beach, Fla. Their commitment to the game and to life has not gone unnoticed, evidenced by the abundant awards Nicklaus has received over the years, many of which were humanitarian in nature.

Key artifacts on display:

• 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom, Americas highest civil award presented for meritorious achievement in public service (on public display for the first time)
• 1975 American Cancer Society Golfer of the Year Award
• 1975 U.S.G.A. Bob Jones Award
• 1984 University of St. Andrews Doctorate Hood and copy of speech
• 2000 PGA TOUR Payne Stewart Award
• Congratulations letter from Arnold Palmer for winning the 2000 PGA Distinguished Service Award

Jack of All Trades
Nicklaus has no shortage of involvement in the game outside of his individual playing career and the exhibition includes artifacts to showcase the Jack of All Trades. His involvement with The Ryder Cup, Memorial Tournament and The Presidents Cup will be represented with several artifacts, as will his active firm, The Nicklaus Companies.

Key artifacts on display:

• Slazenger B51 golf ball used during the 1969 Ryder Cup, known for Nicklaus concession to Tony Jacklin, and a sweater and Captains ring from the 1987 Matches
• 1983 U.S. Ryder Cup Captains Trophy
• 2000 Memorial Tournament Honoree medallion and copy of acceptance speech
• Memorial Tournament trophy he won in 1977 and 1984
• 1993 Golf Digest Best New Private Course Architect Award (Colleton River Plantation)
• Framed American Society of Golf Course Architects Crest
• 1998 Presidents Cup U.S. Captains clipboard he used with scoring sheets, 2003 Presidents Cup Captains blazer and pin flag signed by U.S. Team
• A video of commercials over the years shows Nicklaus appearances in advertisements for American Express, Uniden, Rolex and others
• An interactive touchscreen allows guests to see photos of Nicklaus as he maintains an extremely busy schedule traveling around the world for business

A Call to the Wild
Featuring the lighter side of Nicklaus, the exhibition will represent his passion for fly fishing and other recreational outdoor activities in this area.

Key artifacts on display:

• 1958 Pompano Beach Fishing Tournament Citation
• 1965 Metropolitan Miami Fishing Tournament Sportsmanship Award
• 1976 Bahamas Bonefish Bonanza Trophy
• Sea Bear silver replica in case - 15 Nicklaus scale model fishing boat
• Photos by renowned photographer Dom Furore of Nicklaus on a fishing expedition to Russia (Golf Digest, 2004)