Jack Nicklaus honoured by USA

Jack Nicklaus receives USA's highest civilian recognition

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Edited by Anand Datla

 

March 24, 2015:  In a ceremony filled with poignancy, the most prolific of golfers was recognised for a lifetime of excellence by being honoured with a Congressional Gold Medal. Jack Nicklaus was presented the prestigious honour by the leaders of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday in honor of his contributions to golf and the various charity efforts throughout his life.

 

The recognition is the highest civilian award in the United States and the Congress had only bestowed it on just two other golfers before Nicklaus. Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer were the only other golfers to have been decorated with the medal. Nicklaus also became just the seventh athlete to be honoured – Roberto Clemente, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, and Jackie Robinson being the four others.

 

Nicklaus accepted the award in the presence of his extended family – his five children and 22 grandchildren were all in attendance at the ceremony. Also present were Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, David Graham, Commissioner Tim Finchem of the PGA Tour. The ceremony was also attended by many others from the golf fraternity.

 

 

“Under my leadership, Jack did something he probably never did again in his career,” averred Jim Nantz of CBS Sports. “He played a birdie-free round. Seventeen pars and a three-putt bogey, all because of his caddie.”

 

Nicklaus’s son Jack Jr. tugged at the heart strings of everyone present and those watching on TV with an emotional speech. He spoke from the heart about being the son of a great athlete. He also spoke at length about the 1986 Masters, where he carried the bag for his famous father.

 

“After the final putt dropped, he came over to me and held out his arms to embrace me,” said Jack Nicklaus Jr. “He made me part of the moment. I felt seen and I felt loved. And that is what it’s like to be Jack Nicklaus’ son.”

 

It was fitting too that Nicklaus had the last word at the function. He spoke eloquently after receiving the medal from Speaker John Boehner. “Yes, Jackie, I just played golf,” said Nicklaus, recalling the answer his son had given when he was asked once about what his father did. “But my whole life’s work was to make you all proud of me. I hope I have.”

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