DUBLIN (Ohio) — Jack Nicklaus enjoyed college life. It loved him right back. So much so, that the Golden Bear would not reveal the shenanigans off the golf field.
What are your favorite Ohio State memories that are not golf related? Fraternity stuff?
Jack: “Non-golf? I wouldn’t tell you that.”
Nicklaus, after the Memorial Tournament laughter died down, began to reminisce about his time at Ohio State. He spent three and a half years there before turning professional (the Upper Arlington native, who left school without graduating, received an honorary diploma in 1972).
He said with a twinkle of his eye, “I had an absolute blast.” “Parties, things we did, and places we visited. “And (meeting Barbara), was part of it.”
Nicklaus and Barbara Bash met in their freshman year. She joined Kappa Alpha Theta. He joined Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. The couple married when they were upperclassmen. Since 1960, they’ve had a great run.
You can see that 18-year old college kid in the 83 year-old Nicklaus. He still enjoys joking around with others and has the classic sarcastic humor of college age. He is also a student, both of the game and of life. The Bear is a born learner who can translate information into useful applications. He was a golfer who was able to think logically and systematically, but also knew that college wasn’t supposed to be just about brains, without any ebullience.
He said, “I wanted to be a part of the college experience.”
Nicklaus was offered golf scholarships by many schools, but he had his heart set on becoming an Ohio Buckeye.
He said, “I told them to “Don’t bother.” “Ohio State does not offer golf scholarships, but that’s where I wanted to go.”
Ohio State has the good fortune to have Nicklaus (two Heismans), Archie Griffin, and Jesse Owens as a trio of renowned sportsmen. Griffin (two Heismans), Owens (Olympic Golds, and multiple World Records) are both known for their achievements as amateur students. Nicklaus is best known for his professional career. Golf’s greatest champ holds the record of major championships won with 18. His victory at the 1986 Masters at age 46 remains one of the top three sports moments for those whose hips or knees are in dire need of replacement.
Jack’s college life isn’t as well-known, but it wasn’t unimportant. Jack won the U.S. He won the U.S.
He returned, even if it was only for one night, to the carefree days of his youth.
He began by saying, “Last Monday night we had ten of my fraternity brother up here at the Club who were all guys that I went to school together.” “Can you imagine a group of 82-, 83- and 84 year-olds eating dinner together? What did you say? Huh? Huh? Who’s that? I couldn’t see them. It was hilarious. “We had a wonderful time.”
Nicklaus enrolled at Ohio State with the intention of following in his father Charlie’s footsteps as a pharmacist.
Nicklaus explained, “I went through three years in pre-pharmacy but my father talked me out from pharmacy school.” “He told me, ‘You cannot use your golf behind the counter.'” Why don’t switch to the business school and use it there, as I did?”
Jack was a serious college golfer, but not too serious. Bob Kepler, the Ohio State coach, followed suit.
Kepler advised Nicklaus to skip the spring quarter of his sophomore year in order to concentrate on the Masters, British Amateur, and Walker Cup.
“He says: “You can play next season, or the year after. Do not worry. Nicklaus told him, “I want you to have a wonderful spring.” “No golf teacher would do that today.”
Most coaches wouldn’t skip practice with a player to go fly-fishing. But Kepler did.
Nicklaus says: “Kep taught me to fly fish. He would look up at the sky, and he’d say: ‘Man, it is a beautiful morning. It’s just too nice to play golf. Why don’t you start the team off on the first tee, and me and you will sneak out of the back and go fishing’
He knew that I would always be in top shape for my golf game. He didn’t care. We would go trout-fishing in Zanesfield, and then come back to have a few beers. We would catch some fish, cook them up and have a good time.
I went to Ohio State and played golf there. “I went to Ohio State, and I just happened to be playing golf when I was there.”
Ah, the simplicity of life. Nicklaus may not play golf as much, but he loves fishing. Information is still processed quickly. The old crew is still a favorite. The Upper Arlington college student is still going strong.
