THEY CALLED HIM FAT JACK. Early in his career, a serious, heavy-set Jack Nicklaus was the villain, an object of open scorn on the PGA Tour, especially at Grand Slam events such as the 1962 U.S. Open at Oakmont.Ten years older and the undisputed king of golf, the charismatic Arnold Palmer was universally adored, the peoples hero.
It didnt stop the highly focused, methodical and talented Nicklaus from usurping Palmers throne to become the games top player by the mid 1960s.
By the time the 1967 U.S. Open was played at Baltusrol, Jack had a growing fan base and a new nickname coined by an Australian sportswriter named Don Lawrence. Referring to Jacks blonde mane and hefty physique, The Golden Bear stuck.
The notion of a growling bear sat well with Jack, who was self-conscious about his high-pitched voice, writes Ian OConnor in Arnie & Jack.
Jacks Memorial Tournament began today in Dublin, Ohio. Matthew Goggin leads with a 65.
-The Armchair Golfer
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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]
