Q&A with Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus

It seems you weren’t playing much golf for a time, as you were busy with the course design business and family activities. Do you play more often now? Has your relationship with the game changed?

I don’t play at all now. I haven’t hit a golf shot since the traditional opening tee shot at Augusta National (to kick off the Masters in April 2023). Not one. Putting or otherwise. That doesn’t mean I won’t, but my relationship with the game now is talking to the younger players. Most young people don’t want to listen to their father or grandfather, but these kids want my advice. I feel very flattered and humbled by that. That keeps me active in the game.

For a while, you were constantly linked with Tiger Woods when it appeared he might challenge your record for majors won. Has your relationship with him evolved through the years?

I haven’t spent a lot of time with Tiger. He’s something like 35 years younger than I am, so we don’t have a close bond as two people. But I like Tiger. Whenever there’s an issue in the game of golf, one of us will call the other. We both have the same interests and want to do what’s best for the game of golf. As it relates to today’s issues, he’s got a good head on his shoulders as to what’s good for the game and what’s not, and I think today’s players look up to him for that.

With 18 major golf championships, Nicklaus, seen here in March 2022, is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time.

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Your charity work focuses on children’s health via children’s clinics and hospitals. How did you and your wife, Barbara, get involved with that cause?

A children’s hospital saved my daughter’s life when she was less than a year old. When the opportunity came for my wife and I to get involved with charities, we decided to start a foundation to improve children’s health care. I spend most of my time now working with Barbara on the foundation and with the children’s hospitals. Barbara is really, really good at it, and I learn a lot from her.

Your philanthropic efforts are an extended family affair with children and grandchildren participating. What does it mean to you and Barbara to see the generations now involved in your foundation’s work — to see your cause become their cause?

We just set out to start a little foundation. Now, it’s grown to the point that the size of it means it needs more support. We’re just blessed that our kids see the same need we do. Then the grandkids come along and get involved—and they’re starting to raise meaningful money now. It’s fantastic. We had no idea it would lead to this.

Back to golf for a moment. Who is the greatest professional golfer of all time?

I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I couldn’t answer it honestly. If you want to take me out of the equation, maybe I could answer it.

I think you answered the question. - John Lewinski