Jack Nicklaus Turns 70 and He's Still The Man

An old friend of mine turns 70 today.

He's spent most of his life breaking 70.

He's spent most of his life winning and showing us how to do it with class and manners.

He is golf's greatest, this man named Jack William Nicklaus—The Golden Bear.

Was fortunate to see him win most of his 18 major championships. He was always a good interview and one of the most honest athletes of all time.

Followed him all 18 holes when he shot 63 at the U.S. Open at Baltusrol back in 1980.

He won that Open. 

When he shot 82 at the TPC, back in the late '70s, saw all 18 of those holes. This was when the event was played at Sawgrass, on the ocean, across the street from the PGA Tour's new fancy digs. He didn't win that TPC, but he won a bunch.

He often let me sit next to him in locker rooms and we'd talk, just the two of us.

He's probably with some of his kids today, doing things they like to do. Family is and always has been so very important to him. He has a small army of grandchildren, and the last time I saw him, he was in the stands over in Orlando cheering on grandson Nick O'Leary.

O'Leary's Dwyer High team won the state championship, and Jack's smile was ear-to-ear. O'Leary is a big-time prospect at tight end and defensive end, and he's not even a senior yet. He's 6'4", 215 pounds and may be the best Nicklaus athlete since his grandfather.

Jack doesn't play much these days. He'll hit balls over at the Bear's Club, about a 10-minute drive from his home on the water in Lost Tree Village (Florida). He stays plenty busy with the golf course design business, though.

He doesn't seek the spotlight anymore. No need. He's been there, done that.

Yes, he's decided to quietly turn 70.

So happy birthday, Jack.

See you soon.