‘I Felt Terrible’: Legend Jack Nicklaus Once Humbly Accepted a Mistake Which Costed His Son a Heavy Penalty

No one in the golf world could doubt the skill of Jack Nicklaus. His talent shows in his achievements. But despite being one of the best golfers in the world, the golf legend is terrible on the other side of the bag. In the 1980s, the 18-time major-winning champion caddied for his sons at their golf tournaments. The experience was definitely not something he could add to his list of accomplishments.

With 73 career wins and the most majors in history, Nicklaus is one of the best to ever grace the sport. The ex-golf pro also has a huge family with whom he spends as much time as he can. And once cost his son a heavy price while doing so.

Nicklaus’ mistake proves to be heavy for his son

As per a Golfweek report in 2018, Nicklaus wasn’t the ideal caddie. He was caddying for his son, Gary Nicklaus, in Florida in 1983. The 14-year-old was playing at the Hunter’s Run in Boynton Beach in a 36-hole qualifier. Nicklaus had just that year withdrawn from the Masters due to back spasms. He was instead using the time to bond with his son on the course.

But unfortunately for Gary, Jack’s math skills weren’t as good as his golf skills. Little Nicklaus had started the round quite well. He parred the first two holes, and at the third, he asked his father for a 4-iron. Nicklaus reached into the bag, then looked up and asked his son, “Ah, would you like to play your 4-iron or my 4-iron?”

Read More – “He Has to Make His Own Decisions”: Jack Nicklaus Once Spoke About the Reason Behind the Slow Down of His Son’s Golf Career

The golf pro had forgotten to check the 14-year-old’s bag. He had an extra club in there, namely Nicklaus’ 4-iron. The young golfer suffered a four-stroke penalty for the extra club in his bag. Although he would not have qualified had it not been for the penalty either, it certainly hadn’t helped his confidence on the course.

Jack Nicklaus shares the blame with Gary

The 73-time PGA Tour winner added that he felt guilty for the mistake but also that his son was just as responsible. “I felt horrible,” he said. “But it was also his fault because he didn’t count the clubs.”

When asked how furious his son was with him, Nicklaus joked while pointing to his face, “You see this scar here?” With his eldest too, the golden bear had messed up while caddying. In 1982, he lost Jack Nicklaus Jr.’s ball on the first hole of the event. It certainly doesn’t seem like holding the bag is his cup of tea.

Watch This Story – Jack Nicklaus Makes a Surprising Tiger Woods Prediction

Do you think the kids have let his father caddy for them since then? Would you? Let us know in the comments below.