‘I Don’t Care…’: Jack Nicklaus Once Revealed a Chivalrous Lesson His Father Charlie Gave About Graciously Accepting Defeat

Jack Nicklaus has been an inspiration to many young golfers due to his unmatchable records on the field. The golf great is also friends with Tiger Woods, who highly credits Nicklaus for his success. However, despite being a mentor for many, Nicklaus was always a student to his father. And he didn’t just learn golf from his old man, but also how to live a dignified life.

Father played an essential role in Jack Nicklaus’ life

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus is still counted among the most successful golfers the world has ever seen. No one on the PGA Tour has been able to break his 18 major championship victories record yet. Even the player Nicklaus expected to break his records, Tiger Woods, is still sitting at 15 majors in his name.

It would be unnecessary to say what a great sportsman Nicklaus has been in his entire career. However, other than being a wonderful golfer, Nicklaus has also been a respectful competitor to his fellow golfers. And being that way with others on the field was taught to him by none other than his father, Charlie Nicklaus.

Like it is for most of us, Jack Nicklaus’ father also played an irreplaceable role in his life. Sr. Nicklaus made sure that his son got all the help he needed to become the best golfer ever. However, being a man of discipline, he also ensured that his son behaved well.

Nicklaus’ father’s golden advice for his son

There was a time when Charlie Nicklaus taught his son something he went by throughout his career. And that was being a good sport! As per Golf.com, Charlie Nicklaus told his son how it was important to be happy even after losing to his competitors. He said, “I don’t care what your feeling is inside. If the other guy wins, make him believe you’re happy for him.”

However, it is not as easy as it sounds to be calm and content after losing an important tournament. But Charlie believed that showing the other player that you are happy for him, makes you the bigger person overall. And so his advice to his son was, “Look him in the eye, give him a firm handshake and say, ‘Well done.’ Now if you want to go in the locker room and beat your head against the wall? That’s your choice.”

Read More: ‘Eats Me Up Inside’: Despite Winning 18 Majors Jack Nicklaus Revealed His True Fear About the Golden Bear’s Future in Golf in 1992

As far as we know Nicklaus, it’s hard to imagine him banging his head on the wall in silence. But we get what his old man meant. And as far as Jack Nicklaus is concerned, he has been a courteous, appreciative gentleman throughout his career.

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