The year was 2004 when Jack Nicklaus, playing in the Champions Tour at that time, said, “I’m interested in doing other things. I’ve had enough golf.” Of course, that did not mean he hated playing golf, but just that he wasn’t “competitive” anymore. During his competitive years, Jack Nicklaus amassed a total of 73 PGA Tour wins in addition to 18 majors. In 2020, he said, “I’ve still got a lot of things I want to do. I certainly don’t have any reason to want to go curl up in a corner someplace with a green banana and hope it gets ripe,” and the result of it is visible in his net worth.

When we are talking about Jack Nicklaus’s career earnings, including the cash he won during his wins, the comparison with today’s winners’ earnings would be absurd. Let’s understand that with an example. When Jack Nicklaus claimed his first Open Championship at Muirfield in 1966, he took home $5,880. In contrast, Brian Harman earned $3,000,000 for his victory at Hoylake in the 2023 Open Championship, which was 510 times more than what Nicklaus earned 57 years ago. Despite the large margin, Jack Nicklaus’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million. Regardless, here’s how he made his sports empire.

When Jack Nicklaus retired in 2005, he missed cuts in all three events he participated in. Before that, in 2004, he played in two events and finished T63 at The Memorial Tournament, bagging $11,130 on the Tour. In 2002, he earned $8,910, and in 2000, Nicklaus bagged $17,244. Overall, from 1962 to 2005, Jack Nicklaus led the PGA Tour money list eight times. Over 44 seasons, he secured 73 tournament victories, including 18 Majors, and accumulated a total of $5,734,031 in prize money.

Nicklaus competed in and won tournaments worldwide, including on the European and Australasian Tours. He secured a total of 117 professional victories. As a senior, he claimed 10 titles on The Champions Tour, including eight Senior Majors. Notably, Jack generated $3,372,207 on the Senior Tour in just 84 events. Before you get disappointed by the lack of big numbers (the kind of money that golfers today have), remember the earlier comparison.

Interestingly, despite a lack of big numbers in Jack Nicklaus’ bank account from his wins, the Golden Bear is a billionaire. In 2016, Forbes listed Nicklaus as the fourth highest-paid athlete of all time, estimating his career earnings at $1.15 billion, primarily from his course design firm. He reportedly earned $26 million in 2015 alone.

Jack Nicklaus’ legacy in other areas of the sports world (and more)

Jack Nicklaus has started several businesses after his golf career. He founded Nicklaus Companies, which focuses on designing golf courses, developing real estate, and promoting his brands, Jack Nicklaus and Golden Bear. His design firm, Nicklaus Design, has created over 420 golf courses around the world, including Muirfield Village Golf Club and The Bear’s Club. He has also partnered with well-known companies like Rolex and Perry Ellis, which has significantly increased his earnings. Nicklaus has licensed his name for golf video games and has written several books, including “Golf My Way.”

In terms of charity, he co-founded the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, which has raised over $195 million for children’s healthcare. He also supports other charities like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and UNICEF. Additionally, he manages the Memorial Tournament in Ohio and owns Nicklaus Golf Equipment, which produces golf products under three brands: Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus Signature, and Nicklaus Premium.

In fact, his Memorial Tournament has done a lot for the community. Since its inception in 1976, the Memorial Tournament has established itself as one of the top events on the PGA TOUR. To date, the tournament has raised over $56 million for charities, with nearly $41 million benefitting the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in central Ohio and other organizations. Additionally, in 2019, Barbara Nicklaus and Jack, in partnership with the PGA TOUR, launched Play Yellow to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Over five years, this initiative, backed by TOUR professionals, fans, and the golf industry, has raised over $130 million, which was its initial goal.

Through all these efforts, Nicklaus has made a significant impact on the golf world and beyond.