Self-Belief The Nicklaus Way

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

Lots of stuff out there in honor of Jack's 76th birthday. Found this by the USGA....

 

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On his 76th birthday, we look back on the #USAmateur win at the ripe age of 19 that gave Jack Nicklaus the confidence he needed to become one of the greatest golfers of all time.

Posted by United States Golf Association - USGA on Thursday, January 21, 2016

[RoverRick]

 

On his 76th birthday, we look back on the #USAmateur win at the ripe age of 19 that gave Jack Nicklaus the confidence he needed to become one of the greatest golfers of all time.

 

 

 

Not taking anything away from Jack Nicklaus, or even Barbajo for posting this, but I was struck by the absurdity of the caption.

 

The list of golfers who have won the US Amateur "at the ripe age of 19" or less even is too long to list, but includes, Danny Lee, Justin Leonard, Rickie Barns. These are all great golfers by most standards, but no where near the Jack Nicklaus caliber. I didn't include Tiger and Phil who at least can be in the same conversation as Nicklaus quality golf.

 

The USGA stating that this gave him the confidence to become one of the greatest golfers of all time is self serving.

 

He won 5 straight Ohio State Junior titles starting at age 12. He was a +3 at age 13. Played his first US Amateur at age 16. I think he had the confidence long before "the ripe age of 19" and him winning the US Amateur.

 

His winning this didn't even cause him to turn pro, that was the birth of his son. He intended to be the first Amateur to win the Masters but prospect of supporting a family made him turn Pro.

 

Ok, so I still have a general dislike of the USGA. Does it show?

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

 

Ok, so I still have a general dislike of the USGA. Does it show?

 

Ohhhh, just a bit 

[silver & black]

Ok, so I still have a general dislike of the USGA. Does it show?

 

 

 

Not too much...lol.