- Labeled "Golden Bear" after going pro by other professionals due to his blonde hair and large frame.
- Named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 1962.
- Won 21 PGA events from 1962 to 1966.
- Feb. 11, 1968: Nicklaus announces plans to build a golf course on the land and create a new national level tournament.
- October 1968: Consulting firm recommends using unneeded land surrounding proposed golf course to build housing development; Nicklaus is hesitant but buys more land to increase project to 1,576 acres.
- September 1970: Ohio Promotions, Golden Bear Enterprises, and the Jack Nicklaus Company consolidate into Golden Bear Inc.
- May 1972: Golden Bear Inc. officials meet with John Wolfe's Ohio Company regarding a Muirfield partnership. Result--Muirfield, Ltd., an Ohio limited liability company.
- July 1972: Muirfield Village course construction begins.
- October 1973: Jack Nicklaus plays inaugural round of golf at Muirfield Village (between rainstorms).
- May 22, 1977: Jack Nicklaus wins second Memorial tournament.
- After a career decline, Nicklaus wins 1986 Masters and Golf Magazine names him "Player of the Century" and one of their 100 Heroes of Golf.
- Nicklaus turned 50 in 1990 and joined the senior tour circuit.
- Today, www.nicklaus.com features golf tips, shopping, Nicklaus Golf Course design, news and more.
But the life of Jack Nicklaus hasn't been perfect: in February, 2005, his 17-month-old grandson drowned in their son's West Palm Beach, Florida home. Jack and Barbara Nicklaus were staying with the grandchildren in their home while the child's parents were away. While the pool area had appropriate safeguards, the Palm Beach County Sheriff reports the child slipped back into the pool undetected after Jack and Barbara had left the area.
