Jack Nicklaus Reacts to Rare Picture of His First PGA Tour Check From 1962

Published 01/09/2022, 6:50 AM PST

Golf is a dynamic game and has seen changes through its evolution. The changes are with respect to both the monetary sides as well as the game itself. It presumably is a “rich man’s game”. Professional golfers enjoy a lavish lifestyle with huge mansions and luxurious cars.

Golfers often receive huge paychecks after winning a tournament. However, winners are not the only ones earning money even playing a tournament entails a sufficient amount of money. Jack Nicklaus earned his first paycheck on January 8th, 60 years ago.

Jack golf’s greatest first paycheck

Article continues below this ad

Nicklaus is considerably one of the greatest players that golf has ever seen. Nicknamed as the Golden Bear; he has 73 PGA Tour Victories and has a historic 18 major championship wins. He is also a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Apart from playing golf, he has also designed the Tres Marias Golf Club in Mexico. He turned professional in the year 1961 at the age of 21. Jack is the oldest Masters tournament winner at the age of 46.

Watch this story: 2022 Sentry Tournament of Champions prize money breakdown.

The Golden Bear earned his first PGA Tour paycheck in the year 1962. Nicklaus finished tied for the 50th position in the 1962 LA Open. He received a paycheck amounting to $33.33. Niklaus made $5.7 million in his career at the PGA Tour. That’s just $1.5 million more than Justin Thomas has made during the truncated 2019-20 PGA Tour season. Jack took home $13,000 when he won the 1963 PGA Championship. Jack owns a highly successful company known as Jack Nicklaus Companies.

On this day 60 years ago, Jack Nicklaus earns his first PGA Tour check…
For $33.33, after tying for 50th at 1962 LA Open. pic.twitter.com/H0SynBU3L6
— Brentley Romine (@BrentleyGC) January 8, 2022

Jack retweeted the same and gave a reaction saying, ” I still wonder who got the extra penny”.

I still wonder who got the extra penny. https://t.co/yGj78EKgQi
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) January 9, 2022

Article continues below this ad

Highest paid golf players of all time

Tiger Woods leads the highest PGA Tour earnings with a total of $120,851,706 and is the only golfer to cross the $100 million mark. We all know Michael Jordan is the highest-paid athlete of all time. But there are some golfers also on the list. Phil Mickelson, Greg Norman as well as Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer are notable names, and not to miss the game’s great Tiger Eldrick Woods.

‘That’s What Champions Do’- Jack Nicklaus Backs Tiger Woods to Play Golf in 2022

Article continues below this ad

Name	Earnings
Tiger Woods	$2.1 billion
Arnold Palmer	$1.5 billion
Jack Nicklaus	$1.38 billion
Phil Mickelson	$1.08 billion
Greg Norman	$815 million

Who will be the highest-paid golfer in 2022? Do let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Bazif Qadri is a Golf writer at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing BSC Economics Hons, Bazif is a golf enthusiast. Not only a fan, but he is also an avid golfer himself.

Jack Nicklaus Reacts to Rare Picture of His First PGA Tour Check From 1962

Jack golf’s greatest first paycheck

Trending

Is Scottie Scheffler Taking a Paternity Leave to Support Wife Meredith and Their Baby?

Has Top Chef Contestant Soo Ahn Ever Won a Pro Golf Event Before Changing His Career?

Scottie Scheffler’s Mistreatment Makes Angry Fans Lash Out at Tiger Woods & Co: ‘Not About Talent Anymore’

Threatened by Rivals, Charlie Woods Forgets PGA Tour Heartbreak to Take On Daunting Challenge

Is There a Cut at the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans? Format of PGA Tour’s Two-Man Team Event Explored

Highest paid golf players of all time