JACK NICKLAUS HAD larger galleries in his career, that’s for certain.
But the crowd that gathered in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday to honor him as a Congressional Gold Medal recipient likely shared one of the proudest moments of the legendary athlete’s life.
The award honors those “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.”
Nicklaus, 75, is the third professional golfer to receive the award, which, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor.
He joined Byron Nelson, honored in 2006, and Arnold Palmer, who attended Tuesday’s ceremony, who was recognized in 2009.
Nicklaus and Palmer also have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Of course, the Golden Bear’s record-shattering golf achievements were praised.
This includes 120 pro tournament victories, a record 18 major championships (six Masters tournaments, five PGA Championships, four U.S. Opens and three British Opens).
Nicklaus’ contributions to charity also were highlighted.
He and his wife, Barbara, have devoted millions of dollars to the Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation, which seeks to provide medical care to kids in need.
Last week, after making a $60 million pledge to the Miami Children’s Hospital, the hospital changed its name to Nicklaus Children’s Health Care.
Numerous members of Congress lauded praise on Nicklaus and his family for their achievements.
PGA Tour announcer Jim Nantz also spoke.
“He has been an American treasure and our gift to the world,” Nantz said of Nicklaus.
The Ohio State Marching Band performed before Nicklaus made his way to the podium.
When it came time to deliver his remarks, Nicklaus’ speech was full of humor and raw emotion.
“My son Jackie was about 6 years old, and somebody asked him what does your dad do and he said, ‘Nothing, he just plays golf,’ ” Nicklaus said.
“For millions of people, golf does so much more.
“The game of golf has given more back to charity than all of the major sports combined,” Nicklaus said.
“Yes, Jackie, I just play golf. But my whole life’s work was to make you all proud of me. Hopefully I have.”
Now, I’m not a member of Nicklaus’ generation and I’m too young to have seen him play in his prime.
But I’ve never read or heard a negative word about the man, with many describing a brief encounter as an experience they’ll never forget.
His brilliance as a player and person will never be forgotten, either.
Third career single
Sequim resident Ray Ballantyne recorded his third career hole-in-one on the 125-yard par 3 eighth hole at Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course.
Ballantyne used his 9-iron and a Titleist Pro V-1 golf ball on the singular shot Wednesday, March 18.
Verl Nelson, Bates Bankard and Lee White, all of Sequim, witnessed the Ballantyne’s single.
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Golf columnist Michael Carman can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5152 or pdngolf@gmail.com.
