Jack Nicklaus 1972 US Open Pebble Beach

Lore & Background

Nicklaus won the U.S. Amateur in 1959 and 1961 and finished second in the 1960 U.S. Open, two shots behind Arnold Palmer. Nicklaus turned professional in 1961 at age 21. He won his first professional victory at the 1962 U.S. Open, defeating Palmer by three shots in an 18-hole playoff beginning a long-running rivalry between the two. Nicklaus, Palmer, and Gary Player became known as "The Big Three."

In 1966, Nicklaus became the first player to win the Masters Tournament in back-to-back years; he also won the 1963 PGA Championship and the 1966 Open Championship, becoming at age 26 the youngest player at the time to complete the career grand slam. Named the AP Athlete of the Decade for the 1970s, Nicklaus had won 17 major championships by 1980. He overtook Bobby Jones's record of 13 majors, and became the first player to complete double and triple career grand slams.

At age 46, Nicklaus won his final major championship at the 1986 Masters Tournament, which was a record sixth Masters title.

Reader's Guide

Open at Pebble Beach, including Nicklaus's age at that event or the runner-up. Therefore, the correct age and runner-up cannot be confirmed from the source.