Let’s be real, golf can feel a little intimidating sometimes. All the rules, the lingo, the price tags—it’s a lot. But one of the best ways to fall in love with the game is to watch someone who makes it look effortless. That’s where Jack Nicklaus comes in.
Even if you're not a golf history buff, you’ve probably heard the name. Jack Nicklaus was, and is still, the GOAT. Tiger might’ve gotten close, but Jack still holds the record for most major wins, and the stuff he pulled off on tour? Unreal.
So, who exactly is Jack Nicklaus?
Quick refresher if you didn’t grow up watching VHS tapes of golf tournaments with your grandpa: Jack Nicklaus, aka “The Golden Bear,” is basically the Michael Jordan of golf. He turned pro in 1961 and proceeded to absolutely wreck leaderboards for the next few decades.
Jack wasn’t just good—he was ridiculous. Over a career that spanned more than 25 years, he racked up 73 PGA Tour wins and a jaw-dropping 18 major championships (yep, still the record). He dominated the greens, doing it all with this calm, calculated confidence like he knew exactly how it was gonna play out before he even teed off. While other players were sweating it out, Jack was already thinking three shots ahead, plotting birdies like a golf-playing chess master.
Learn more: The Winning Traits of Top Golfers
8 of Jack Nicklaus’ most unreal tour shots
We’re breaking down the most iconic, goosebump-giving, are-you-kidding-me Jack Nicklaus shots that still have fans (and pros) shaking their heads. Use these moments as inspiration or fuel to get you hyped for your next round.
1. Playoff vs. Arnold Palmer (1962 U.S. Open)
This is the one that started it all. A 22-year-old Jack went toe-to-toe with Arnie—and won. Not a single shot, but an entire playoff masterclass. Icy putting, bomb drives, and nerves of steel.
In a dramatic showdown at Oakmont Country Club, the 22-year-old Nicklaus faced off against hometown favorite Arnold Palmer in an 18-hole playoff. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Jack outplayed Palmer, winning by three strokes and capturing his first professional victory—a sign of the greatness to come.
Watch the 1962 U.S. Open short film →
2. 72-Hole Record Setter (1965 Masters)
Dominating the course at Augusta National, Nicklaus set a new 72-hole scoring record with an astonishing 271 total. His exceptional play, including a third-round 64, led to a nine-stroke victory over golf legends Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. This performance prompted co-founder Bobby Jones to remark, "He plays a game with which I am not familiar."
Watch the 1965 Masters highlights →
3. Breaking Records—Again (1967 U.S. Open)
This one doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it should. Jack rolled into the final round of the 1967 U.S. Open at Baltusrol’s Lower Course tied with Arnold Palmer and an amateur named Marty Fleckman. By the time the dust settled, Jack had basically turned the course into his personal playground.
He came out firing, birdieing five of the first eight holes. But the real “are you kidding me?” moment came on the 18th. He was sitting about 238 yards out on a par-5, and what does he do? Grabs a 1-iron and sticks it—22 feet from the pin. No big deal, just casually setting himself up to sink the birdie and lock in a final round 65. That finish put him at 275 total, breaking Ben Hogan’s U.S. Open scoring record.
Watch the groundbreaking final round of the 1967 U.S. Open →
4. Pebble Beach 17th Hole (1972 U.S. Open)
Battling fierce coastal winds at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Nicklaus arrived at the par-3 17th hole during the final round of the 1972 U.S. Open. Choosing a 1-iron, he launched a shot that struck the flagstick and settled inches from the cup. This near-ace secured a crucial birdie, cementing his lead and paving the way for his third U.S. Open victory.
Watch Jack Nicklaus reflect on his 1972 U.S. Open victory →
5. Surpassing an Idol (1973 PGA Championship)
Alright, let's talk about the 1973 PGA Championship at Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood, Ohio. Jack Nicklaus wasn't just playing to win another major; he was eyeing history. By clinching this victory, Jack secured his 12th professional major title, surpassing Walter Hagen's record of 11. If you count his two U.S. Amateur wins, this was his 14th major, edging past his idol Bobby Jones' record of 13.
What made the moment even sweeter was Jack’s 4-year-old son, Gary, running onto the green to celebrate with him, resulting in an iconic photo that the Golden Bear himself personally treasured.
Watch Jack’s historic 1973 PGA moment →
6. 16th Hole Birdie Putt (1975 Masters)
You’ve almost certainly seen this one. At the famed Augusta National Golf Club, during the final round of the 1975 Masters, Nicklaus faced the par-3 16th hole. With competitors Tom Weiskopf and Johnny Miller breathing down his neck, Jack pulled out a 5-iron and sent his ball sailing toward the green. The shot landed 40 feet from the pin, setting up a daunting birdie putt. Unfazed, Nicklaus drained the lengthy putt, eliciting an electrifying roar from the gallery and propelling him toward his fifth Green Jacket.
Watch the 1975 Masters final round →
7. 17th Hole Approach (1986 Masters)
In what would become one of the most memorable comebacks in golf history, the 46-year-old Nicklaus found himself on the par-4 17th hole at Augusta during the final round of the 1986 Masters. After a less-than-ideal tee shot that veered left, Jack executed a precise approach, landing the ball 11 feet from the hole. He confidently sank the birdie putt, seizing the lead and ultimately securing his record sixth Masters title.
Watch the 1986 Masters final round →
8. St. Andrews Swan Song (2005 Open Championship)
This wasn't just any Open Championship—it was the stage for Jack Nicklaus' final bow in professional golf. At 65, the Golden Bear chose St. Andrews in Scotland for his swan song, and man, did it hit all the feels.
Paired with Tom Watson and Luke Donald, Jack navigated the course with the grace you'd expect from a legend. While he didn't make the cut, the tournament's defining moment came on the 18th hole of his second round. After a solid tee shot, Jack approached the famed Swilcan Bridge. He paused, took in the sea of fans, and waved—a heartfelt goodbye to the sport and its devotees. The crowd? Absolutely electric, showering him with a standing ovation that echoed through St. Andrews.
But Jack wasn't done just yet. With the crowd hanging on his every move, he lined up a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th green. True to form, he sank it. Reflecting on that moment, Jack quipped, "I knew that the hole would move where I hit it; I always make it on the 18th."
We dare you to watch the 2005 Open without crying →
Learn how to play like Jack
Okay, so maybe you’re not dropping bombs at Augusta just yet, but if you’re looking to bring a little Golden Bear magic to your game, here are some easy tips to get you started.
Think like a chess player.
Jack wasn’t just about power—he planned every shot. Before you swing, ask yourself: Where do I want to be for my next shot? Play smart, not just hard. Learn how to read greens so you can plan your shots and sink more putts.
Perfect your grip and posture.
Jack had rock-solid fundamentals. Spend some time getting your setup right—it makes everything else easier. Your grip, stance, and posture are all key, so dedicate time to perfecting these skills.
Need some guidance? We’ve got you covered.
- How to Grip a Golf Club: Guide for Beginners
- Proper Golf Stance for Driver, Irons, and Putter
- Golf Alignment & Aiming: Beginner Golfers Guide
Practice putting. A lot.
Jack was clutch on the greens. You don’t need a fancy putter to get good—just grab a cheap indoor mat or a few cups and start rolling balls until it feels automatic. Run drills over and over, simulating several different scenarios, so you can be prepared for anything.
Learn more: 10 Tips to Dramatically Improve Your Putting Skills
Stay cool under pressure.
Jack never panicked. Hit a bad shot? Shrug it off. The next one could be legendary. Your mindset is half the battle. Level up your mental game with our guide on golf psychology →
Play your own game.
Jack didn’t try to be Arnold Palmer or Bobby Jones. He played his way—and it paid off. So don’t worry if your swing isn’t picture-perfect. Focus on improving a little each round, and enjoy the ride.
Three cheers for the Golden Bear
Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just now figuring out which end of the club to hold, Jack Nicklaus’ tour highlights are straight-up electric. You don’t need to know the difference between a fade and a draw to appreciate the guy’s greatness. The man WAS golf for decades.
Jack Nicklaus has long been one of our idols, sharing our philosophy that golf should be accessible for everyone. That’s why we created the Stix Nicklaus™ Collection, to honor Jack and his pure love of the game. These sets deliver effortless performance and total confidence, no matter your skill level.
Shop the Stix Nicklaus™ Collection →
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