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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jason Lusk

Photos: Jack Nicklaus through the years

Jack Nicklaus turned 83 on Jan. 21, 2023.

That means it’s been about six decades since the Golden Bear broke onto the professional golf scene. Most of today’s golf fans weren’t around to see Nicklaus as he approached his prime and gained dominance in the 1960s, which also means they missed out.

Nicklaus was a powerful force. Think Bryson DeChambeau invented to the power game? Sorry kid, think again. Nicklaus was the first to effectively use such brute force in a swing to rewrite the major championship record books.

So with Jack’s birthday in mind, we share some great old images of Nicklaus when he was at his strongest. Enjoy the old black-and-whites from the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

Jack Nicklaus blasts down the 8th fairway during the first round of the 1977 Doral Open…
Jack Nicklaus holds his trophies after winning the 1961 NCAA Golf Championship at Purdue. (AP)
Jack Nicklaus, 19, poses with his trophy after winning the low amateur honors in the 1959…
Jack Nicklaus at the 1963 Palm Springs Golf Classic at Indian Wells Country Club (AP)
Jack Nicklaus holds his trophies after winning his first U.S. Open Championship in 1962 at Oakmont…
Jack Nicklaus practices in 1962 at Firestone Country Club in Ohio. (AP)
Jack Nicklaus watches a putt at the 1964 "500" Open golf tournament in Indianapolis. (AP/Bob Daugherty)
Jack Nicklaus plays in the pro-am of the 1975 Glen Campbell Los Angeles Open at Riviera…
Jack Nicklaus breaks his 5-iron while hitting from the scrub in the first round of 1968…
Jack Nicklaus plays the second hole at the 1970 World Series of Golf at Firestone Country…
Jack Nicklaus takes a rip at a ball in Los Angeles in 1962. (AP/Harold Filan)
Jack Nicklaus bites his lip as he powers a drive during a practice round at the…
Jack Nicklaus could rock a bucket hat, as he did at the 1982 Masters in Augusta,…
Jack Nicklaus watches a bunker shot at the 1983 Tournament of Champions in La Costa, Calif.…
Jack Nicklaus lines up a putt at the 1968 Masters. (AP/Paul Vathis)
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