World Golf Hall of Fame to unveil exhibition on Nicklaus Includes his Presidential Medal of Freedom on display for first time  ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- A special exhibition focusing on Jack Nicklaus' extensive career and storied life will be on display at the World Golf Hall of Fame beginning Nov. 13. The Hall's latest in a series of member-focused exhibitions, Jack Nicklaus: Golf's Golden Champion will tell the story of Nicklaus' career through a comprehensive collection of personal and professional memorabilia, photographs and video, as well as featured artifacts on a rotating basis. The exhibit will remain on display for one year.  Jack Nicklaus was captain of America's Presidents Cup team for the third time this year. (Halleran/WireImage)
"The World Golf Hall of Fame, as an institution, has made remarkable strides in a relatively short period of time," Nicklaus said. "I am proud and humbled to have my story told, and I look forward to the unveiling next week." "As fans and fellow golfers have seen over the years, Jack Nicklaus has been a constant presence in the game, not only as a player, but as an individual who has, without question, made a tremendous and lasting impression on the game's history," said Jack Peter, Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the World Golf Hall of Fame. "With the assistance of the Nicklaus Companies and the Jack Nicklaus Museum, as well as The Ohio State University, it is our hope to make Jack's story come to life for the public in a unique way through this featured exhibition." In addition to hundreds of artifacts and memorabilia on display for the entire length of the exhibition, "Jack Nicklaus: Golf's Golden Champion" will feature key artifacts on a rotating basis. From Nov. 12 through Feb. 12, 2008, visitors will see the following: • Nicklaus' Bull's Eye putter, known as "White Fang," which he used to win the 1967 U.S. Open • The set of MacGregor irons he used to win the 1980 U.S. Open and PGA Championship • The Wilson Staff wedge used in four major championship victories (1971 PGA, 1972 Masters, 1972 U.S. Open and 1973 PGA) • His framed 1984 University of St. Andrews Doctor of Laws Honorary degree • Nicklaus' copy of the letter he sent to then-U.S.G.A. Executive Director Joe Dey declaring his intent to become a professional golfer Additionally, on loan from Muirfield Village Golf Club for the first six months of the exhibit will be Nicklaus' Masters Trophy, U.S. Open Trophy, Claret Jug, Wanamaker and Havemeyer, representing his 18 major victories and two U.S. Amateur championships. Five themes throughout the exhibition will tell Nicklaus' story Golf's Greatest Champion will chronicle Nicklaus' golf life, beginning at age 10?the year he first picked up a golf club and carded a 51 in the first nine holes he ever played?through present day. Throughout the exhibit, guests will see items from his youth and storied amateur career, extended through the greatest professional career to date. The exhibition will feature trophies, his first paycheck, medals, awards, clothing and more. The Golden Circle will take visitors through Nicklaus' past, from the impact of his family and his upbringing to his present family life as a husband, father and grandfather. Visitors can go back in time to a fabricated pharmacy soda shop, reminiscent of the family-owned pharmacy where Nicklaus spent with hours with his father, Charlie. The section will hold personalized correspondence from significant friends and also will show the vital role Nicklaus' wife, Barbara, his children and grandchildren have played?from the Nicklaus' 1960 wedding invitation to the Father of the Year Award from 1970. A Gentle Bear tells of both Jack and Barbara Nicklaus' devotion to a number of charitable causes, including the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation and the support of the Columbus Childrens Hospital through the Memorial Tournament, the prestigious PGA TOUR event Nicklaus founded and hosts annually outside Columbus, Ohio. In addition, Nicklaus has given back to the game through providing golf course renovations and re-designs for $1, showing his tremendous commitment to the game. Guests can view Nicklaus' Presidential Medal of Freedom?America's highest civil award for meritorious achievement in public service?on display to the public for the first time. Other items will include his 1975 Bob Jones Award and the 2000 Payne Stewart Award. Jack of All Trades reveals Nicklaus' contribution in golf outside of his individual playing career. His involvement with The Ryder Cup, Memorial Tournament and The Presidents Cup are represented through memorabilia including his 1983 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain's trophy, his Presidents Cup U.S. Captain's clipboard from 1998 with scoring sheets, his 2003 Presidents Cup Captain's blazer and his golf bag and final-day outfit from the 2007 matches. In addition, Nicklaus' Slazenger B51 golf ball used during the 1969 Ryder Cup, a tournament that was made famous for his concession to Tony Jacklin, will be on display. A Call to the Wild speaks to Nicklaus' outdoor passions other than golf. The exhibit will capture his enthusiasm for fishing, with a variety of mementos, including a scale model of Nicklaus' fishing boat, "Sea Bear," and a selection of awards including his 1976 Bahamas Bonefish Bonanza trophy. |
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