03nicklaus’ powerful influence
it’s nothing short of astounding that at 71 years old and 25
years removed from his last major championship victory, Jack
nicklaus continues to collect grand slam titles. ok, so it is a
vicarious exercise, but nevertheless, the golden bear has left
his imprint on this year’s masters and u.s. open. winner of
a record 18 majors, nicklaus last year sat down to lunch with
south africa’s charl schwartzel, who was “spellbound” as the
legend shared his strategy for navigating augusta national
gc. schwartzel, of course, birdied the last four holes to capture the masters. nicklaus also has dispensed pointers to mcilroy, and last month at nicklaus’ memorial, the tournament
host offered some light needling to the youngster from northern ireland for surrendering the masters. then nicklaus gave
mcilroy a father-like pep talk, saying he expected “big things”
from him. mcilroy’s performance at congressional cc in the
wake of that encounter speaks for itself. none of this should
be surprising, really. nicklaus has always possessed cross-generational poise; some of his very best lifelong friends are 10
years or more his senior. then you have his painstaking efforts
to be a conscientious father and, now, grandfather. he relates
so well to everyone that, of course, he remains a relevant figure in golf. it’s nearly impossible for a legend to embellish his
legacy long after his competitive career has ended. nicklaus,
as usual, proves to be an exception. —Dave Shedloski
harry how/getty images
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