I’ve been a Jack Nicklaus fan since I became interested in golf forty years ago. So I was thrilled when I got the chance to get to see Nicklaus up close and personal.
Along with 500 or so unabashedly passionate Nicklaus fans I attended the opening of the Jack Nicklaus Room at the USGA Museum at its headquarters in Far Hills, New Jersey. Jack, his wife Barbara and all but one of his children were there as USGA President Tom O’Toole and Executive Director Mike Davis presided over the ceremony and they, like us weren’t shy about their adoration for the greatest of all time. 
There were chats with Nicklaus by Davis and Fox Sports analyst Shane O’ Donoghue. And during each of them Nicklaus recounted stories of his career, his family and his life. Two overriding themes were present while Nicklaus spoke: his humility, still a humble man and his love and dedication to his family.
Among the stories of Pebble Beach and Baltusrol there were constant references to Barbara and his family. He said it best when asked about his family, “You don’t have me without them.”
Few professional athletes of his day or any for that matter has skillfully balanced a professional career with such a meaningful family life. And it is this that Nicklaus is most proud of not his 18 majors.
While the Jack Nicklaus Room is a tribute to the man, both professionally and personally Nicklaus was never concerned with immortality, just doing his best, giving his all in everything he did.
“I was interested in just doing my best, and when I wasn’t giving my best, that’s what we were talking about. Then, I needed to give my best. I never really worry very much about my legacy. If I worried about my legacy, I think I probably would have prepared myself better and won more like 25 major championships. Could I have won more? Yes. Could I have prepared better? Yes.
“Would I have known my family the way I know them? Probably not.”
And that’s what it has always been all about for Nicklaus. He was a great family man who just happened to be the Greatest Golfer of All Time. And it was so easy to see what he cherishes the most in his life. He appreciates the USGA’s honor but it’s his family he truly treasures.
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