For Jack Nicklaus, his family and golf are two sides of the same coin, as evidenced by his display of love for both. However, if you were to ask the Golden Bear, “Which one is more essential to your survival?” he would likely respond, “family.” “Because my family was more important than my golf game, I became a better golfer,” Nicklaus said, reflecting on the relationship between his family and career. This sentiment also stems from his deep love for his wife, Barbara Nicklaus, the woman he has shared his life with for more than six decades. In addition to “The First Lady of Golf,” it is the couple’s children who bring happiness to their lives.

The couple’s love story didn’t begin on a golf course. As Barbara Nicklaus noted once she didn’t know anything about golf as the sport “wasn’t a real popular sport back then, particularly in high school.” They met at Ohio State University in 1957, while Jack was dating her friend Mary. Despite this, Jack saw something special in Barbara and asked her out. Initially an unlikely pair, their bond deepened, and by February, Barbara received heartfelt cards from Jack that revealed his feelings for her. The couple ultimately married three years later, in 1960, and now have five children.

Jack and Barbara Nicklaus have five children, each leading their own distinct lives. Their oldest son, Jack Jr., born in 1961, actively participates in the golf world as the president of Nicklaus Design and works on various business projects. He shares a close relationship with his father and often reflects on the important lessons his father taught him. Jack Jr. and his brother Gary, born in 1969, both played on the PGA Tour, with Jack Jr. recognizing Gary’s talent while enjoying their friendly rivalry.

Their second son, Steve, born in 1963, serves as the vice president of Nicklaus Design and frequently collaborates with his father at Pro-Ams. Their only daughter, Nan O’Leary, born in 1965, occupies a special place in her father’s heart. Known for her kindness, Nan dedicates herself to promoting golf and strengthening family ties. The youngest son, Michael, born in 1973, has chosen a different path, focusing on education and business while also contributing to the family’s golf course design company. However, of course, Jack Nicklaus‘ family values have successfully (and rightfully) been followed into the children, especially Jack Nicklaus II.

That one Jack Nicklaus’ advice that stuck with Jack Nicklaus II

In June 1980, 18-year-old Jack Nicklaus II received a call from his father after a disappointing round in the Palm Beach County Junior Golf Association tournament. As he prepared to attend the University of North Carolina on a golf scholarship, Jack II expressed his frustrations about his performance. His father listened patiently and reminded him that every golfer faces tough days. After their conversation, Jack Sr. asked, “Jackie, would you like to know how your dad did today?” When Jack II inquired about his father’s performance, he was surprised to hear, “I just won the U.S. Open.” This moment taught Jack II the importance of prioritizing family over personal success.

Reflecting on his father’s influence, Jack II described him as his role model and best friend. He aimed to honor Jack Sr.’s legacy by sharing the lessons he learned in his book, Best Seat in the House: 18 Golden Lessons from a Father to His Son, which featured 18 chapters based on their shared experiences, including the memorable 1986 Masters, where Jack II caddied for his father. To highlight these lessons, Jack II involved his five children in the book, asking them to write about their relationship with him. “I still could not hold back my emotions as I read their comments,” he shared, emphasizing how the values of love and support flowed through generations.