Apr 08 2008
Hall of Fame
Jack Nicklaus
Born: January 24, 1940 in Columbus, OH
Nickname: The Golden Bear
Tour Victories: 73
Total Victories: 113
Major Championships: 11
- Masters: 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986
- U.S. Open: 1962, 1967, 1972, 1980
- British Open: 1966, 1970, 1978
- PGA Championship: 1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1980
6 Ryder Cup Teams, 2 Ryder Cup Captains
Jack Nicklaus is first all time with Majors wins, and second to Sam Sneed in total tour wins.
Nicklaus had a very unique playing style for the time. He was one of the longest hitters of his day combining with a very accurate putter. Even with his length off the tee one of Jacks best traits was that he rarely went for broke playing conservatively and grinding out win after win.
As an amateur Nicklaus won two US Amateur titles, along with finishing second to Arnold Palmer in the 1960 US Open shooting a 282 the lowest ever for an amateur.
The most critical of all: Having a positive attitude. Believe you can make em and you frequently will. Believe you can’t and you generally won’t.
Jack Nicklaus
“Some things cannot possibly happen, because they are both too improbably and too imperfect. The US hockey team cannot beat the Russians in the 1980 Olympics. Jack Nicklaus cannot shoot 65 to win the Masters at age 46. Nothing else comes immediately to mind.”
sports columnist Thomas Boswell
Walter Hagen
Born: Dec. 21, 1892 in Rochester, N.Y.
Died: Oct. 5, 1969
Nickname: The Haig
Tour Victories: 44
Major Championships: 11
- U.S. Open: 1914, 1919
- British Open: 1922, 1924, 1928, 1929
- PGA Championship: 1921, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927
- Western Open: 1916, 1921, 1926, 1927, 1932
Captain of each of the first 6 U.S. Ryder Cup teams
Walter Hagen currently ranks third among golfers all time of Majors wins. But it was not his winning that was his biggest impact to the game.
Hagen’s stylish dress (he was the first athlete to be named to the Best Dressed Americans list) and erratic play earned him huge appearance fees and guaranteed large audiences where ever he played.
Hagen was also among the first to capitalize on his fame endorsing products. He is believed to be the first professional to earn over $1 million in his career.
Hagen was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974
“I never wanted to be a millionaire. I just wanted to live like one.”
Walter Hagen
“Putting is more mental than physical. Good putting is mental balance where you make a decision that is not guessing. Feel at ease, lack worry, and no guessing as you hit the ball.”
Walter Hagen – American Golfer Magazine 1929
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