Jack Nicklaus (1940- ) was born in Columbus, Ohio. Between 1959 and 1986, Nicklaus set a record for most career victories at major tournaments by capturing 20 championships. Nicklaus's size, blond hair, and aggressive play earned him the nickname the Golden Bear.
Nicklaus turned professional in 1962 and won three tournaments that year. The victories included his first major professional title, the 1962 U.S. Open. One of the players Nicklaus defeated on his way to the title was the 1960 winner, American golfer Arnold Palmer. The victory created a rivalry between the two golfers that lasted throughout the late 1960s.
During his professional career Nicklaus also won six Masters tournaments (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986). His 1986 win at the age of 46 made Nicklaus the oldest Masters winner in history. Other major tournament victories include five PGA championships (1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1980), three more U.S. Open titles (1967, 1972, 1980), and three British Open titles (1966, 1970, 1978). He was named the PGA's player of the year five times (1967, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976), and won the PGA's Golfer of the Century award in 1988.
