Jack Nicklaus’ handshake at the Memorial Tournament presented By Workday is a powerful gesture

Paleoanthropologists have estimated that the handshake has been around for at least seven millions years, but others claim it is only 3,000 or older. This brings us to Jack Nicklaus’s handshake, which he gives to the winner at the Memorial Tournament presented By Workday. It is timeless.

Nobody knows exactly when the whole thing began. Nicklaus played in the early stages of the tournament so he could not sit and wait for the winner. However, after his playing career was over, he decided to park near the 18th hole and watch, always locking hands with his champion. He said, “It was just a coincidence.” “I thought it was only right that I began doing TV earlier, and went down to the 18th to greet the winners.”

This greeting is one of the most sought-after in golf. Matt Kuchar, in 2013, said: “To walk off of the green and greet Mr. Nicklaus to have him congratulate my was something I’ll always remember.”

The other lucky winners will also not be able to claim their prize.

Billy Horschel had a five shot lead going into the final round of the last year, but he finally started to falter on the first nine. He had never brought his wife and kids to a PGA TOUR win, but now they were waiting on him. Horschel sat back and steadied his body, before putting in a 55-foot eagle on the 15th.

He said, “Just like you big man,” as he walked off the 18th hole. Horschel later said that Nicklaus wasn’t the only one who was dominant on that day. It was his family’s presence, who wanted to witness him winning in person for a first time.

Horschel stated, “I wanted to remove the monkey from my back, knowing that I had a five shot lead.”

Tiger Woods has won the Memorial 5 times. He has a rich highlight reel, and he is a connoisseur Nicklaus’ handshake.

Woods stated in 2019 that “there’s nothing else better.” It’s something you remember. I have had the opportunity to shake hands after winning tournaments with Byron Nelson Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. That’s quite a trio. That’s quite a special feeling.”

Woods is the one who gives the winners of the Hero World Challenge and The Genesis Invitational the exclusive handshake.

Ernie Els won by four strokes over Fred Couples and Tiger Woods in 2004. He also held off K.J. Choi and Justin Rose to win his 14th PGA TOUR championship. Els only needed 100 putts in the entire week. This was a tournament record.

He said, “I made nearly every putt I had to make.” It means a great deal. It’s different from any other tournament. It has a bit more prestige, especially since Jack Nicklaus is the host.”

Justin Rose, who is 29 years old, shot a bogey free 66 in the final round. He also one-putted 11 holes. The Open Championship in Royal Birkdale, 1998 was the first time Rose made a big impression at age 17.

Rose, the first British winner of the tournament, said: “It was a fantastic way to win.” “I can’t imagine a better place for my first tournament than here at Jack’s Memorial.”

Patrick Cantlay had trouble finishing tournaments. He sought out Nicklaus’ advice, and he told him to take in the surroundings. Enjoy yourself. Cantlay followed this advice and made it look effortless as he won not only one Memorial title, but two in 2019 & 2021.

Cantlay stated, “Yeah. I think that when you watched golf on television growing up, you always dreamed of doing it.” “It was great to see Jack in person. He’s been my mentor and good friend for over ten years.” It was made even more special because it is his place, his tournament, and because we have a relationship.

Steve Stricker never placed in the top 10 of his previous 11 Memorial starts. In 2011, he was 44 years old when he saved two shots with sand in the final round to win by one shot over Matt Kuchar, Brande Jobe and others.

Stricker laughed as he said, “I didn’t do it like you, Jack.” Stricker made the comment at a recent PGA TOUR Champions event. “I was all around, moving it up and down. He says, “But you did it.”

Stricker played the first nine holes in 20 under par and the last nine in 4 over par for the week. He was now ranked fourth in the World and received a handshake from Jackie Nicklaus, who he had first met back in the 1980s when Nicklaus played at Ohio State while Stricker was still at Illinois.

He said, “It’s an amazing feeling to walk off the green and see him waiting for you.”

In 2015, Jon Rahm was the Nicklaus Award winner, which is given to the top collegiate golfer in the United States.

This is just the beginning.

The No. 1 world ranking was on the line after the PGA TOUR’s three-month hiatus from COVID. Rahm’s final-round score of 75 was the highest ever for a winner at the 2020 Memorial. It is the highest since Roger Maltbie shot the 76 in 1976. The course was so hard. The greens were hard as a result of being baked out and destined to be redone following the tournament.

Rahm stated that “it’s very unique, especially due to the atmosphere created here at 18″. It’s a big place, an amphitheater. Here, there’s a great deal of history. It’s an amazing moment, particularly when you embrace Jack.”

Give him a knuckle bump.

Hideki Matsuyama had not won a PGA TOUR event when he was 22 years old. It looked as though he was doomed to remain winless, after he lost his tee-shot on the 18th hole and double-bogeyed 16. He also bogeyed 17 and went over the green when he played his approach shot.

Matsuyama smashed the tee with his driver and watched the head fall. The ball then hit a branch and flew back into the fairway. He took advantage, hitting a 7-iron into the fairway and rolling the birdie to force a play-off with Kevin Na. Then, he won the playoff with a 10-foot putt. Nicklaus said Matsuyama would become one of the best players in the world (yes).

Matsuyama stated that “to win my first PGA TOUR tournament is enough.” Matsuyama said, “But to win here at Mr. Nicklaus’ course gives me a great deal of confidence going forward.”

Muirfield Village is not just for the winners. Rory McIlroy said, “It is a very special moment for anyone to be able walk up the hill and… receive that handshake.” McIlroy has finished in the top 10 in four of his 11 Memorial starts. “I’d like to win here.”

Collin Morikawa was the winner of the 2020 Workday Charity Open in Muirfield Village. However, it wasn’t as good as winning the Memorial. He said that knowing that Jack would be on the 18th makes winning that much sweeter.

Scottie Scheffler placed third in his two Memorial races in 2021, and T22 in 2010.

Adam Scott tied for the lead at the end of the final round, but went four over on his last seven golf holes and finished T4. It was bittersweet to receive a Nicklaus’ handshake for his 2019 runner-up position. Scott smiled ruefully and said, “That was more of a handshake to express my regret that I hadn’t won.” “I came in second place and I didn’t get the handshake that day I had hoped for.”