More than twelve years ago, I had the opportunity to meet my golfing hero, Jack Nicklaus. He was opening his new renovation at Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course, in Columbus, Ohio. His reworking of this Mackenzie masterpiece was on full display as he, his son Gary, OSU Football great Archie Griffin, and a fourth I can’t remember – tees off. Needless to say, I was there to see Jack, so remembering the choppers wasn’t a priority.

After nine holes, Griffin and fourth had to go. Jack and Gary put on a nice display of golf from the tips. At sixty-five years old, J.W. Nicklaus was movin’ it out there with his son off the tee. On number twelve, Jack called for a long drive contest. Gary hit a frozen rope right down the middle. Jack set-up open and seemed to take forever to hit his. Then he moved, and his ball was gone in a hurry. Both men piped it down the middle. However, Jack won by two feet.

The spectators were allowed to walk along with a mic’d up Nicklaus. He used the mic except when he was walking. During that time people would ask him questions and he would give engaged, earnest answers like the class act he has always been. So, I gathered up the courage to talk to him about my college golf coach and his former teammate, The Katman.

When I mentioned the Katman, Mr. Nicklaus lit up. He started asking ME questions. I was walking with Mr. Nicklaus and remembering Katman’s stories. And, as of that stroll down the fairways with the greatest of all time, I had seen the mutual respect they had for each other. Mr. Nicklaus was even a guest speaker, in absentia, at Katman’s DePauw Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. As I remember our walk, Mr. Nicklaus was wonderfully animated as his memories seemed to wash away reality, for a moment.

I guess I writing this because, although we don’t get any younger, our memories never age. Whether famous or common, people remember the connections they make with others, famous or common. Therefore, let me suggest you pursue and enjoy life and golf in the company of fine, honorable individuals who exhibit sportsmanship – win or lose.

All the best people I know are golfers – all competitors… all Americans. They remain calm under pressure, show character in the face of adversity, and happily walk down the fairway knowing it isn’t always fair. In conclusion, open your eyes and play golf.

John Wright – Founder
The Open Stance Academy