Golfing Great Jack Nicklaus Honored by Atlanta Athletic Club

The Atlanta Athletic Club's St. Andrews room was packed with nearly 450 members and guests who came to watch golf icon Jack Nicklaus, the winner of a record 18 major championships, receive the W.R. “Buz” McGriff Trophy at the club's annual Sports Appreciation Night on Monday.

Nicklaus is the 48th recipient of the award, which is given to individuals who exemplify excellence in sports while demonstrating characteristics of an upstanding citizen and role model.

“The Atlanta Athletic Club honors arguably the most accomplished sports figure of the 20th century,” said Neil Doldo, the Atlanta Athletic Club’s Director of Fitness. “With a record 18 major championships and 118 professional tournament victories, Mr. Nicklaus’ accomplishments on the course make him unquestionably the greatest golfer of our time.”

Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara, attended the event. Their son and Atlanta Athletic Club member, Michael Nicklaus, attended with his wife and two children. The emcee of the event was Jimmy Roberts of NBC Sports, who interviewed Nicklaus about his many accomplishments.

Among the topics discussed was his association with legendary golf Bobby Jones, former president and longtime member of the Atlanta Athletic Club. Jones held the record for major championships (13) until Nicklaus surpassed him.

“Bobby Jones was my idol when I was growing up,” said Nicklaus, whose first set of golf clubs were Bobby Jones models.

Nicklaus spoke fondly of his association with Jones, which began when they met at the 1955 U.S. Amateur when Nicklaus was 15. Nicklaus reminisced about finding a note from Jones in his locker during his first trip to the Masters, requesting that Nicklaus stop by the Jones cabin for a visit.  A similar note was there each year, Nicklaus said.

Nicklaus talked about the importance of amateur golf in his development. He won the U.S. Amateur twice, in 1959 and 1961. The Atlanta Athletic Club will host the 2014 U.S. Amateur.

In addition to golf, Nicklaus talked of his family. He and Barbara have been married since 1960 and have five children. Nicklaus said it was important for him to be present for his children and be a part of their lives.

Golf is my game, life is my family," explained Nicklaus who said his family is the center of his life.

Prior to the awards dinner, Mr. Nicklaus spent an hour with 70 children who participate in the club’s active junior golf program. He answered questions and encouraged the students to play a variety of sports while they’re growing up.

 The McGriff Award is named in memory the Atlanta Athletic Club’s former director of athletics for 31 years. McGriff died in 2006 and the award was named in his honor.

The W.R. “Buz” McGriff Award is given to someone who exemplifies excellence in sports, while demonstrating characteristics of an upstanding citizen and role model.

McGriff was the director of athletics at the Atlanta Athletic Club for 31 years until his retirement in 1991. He was well-respected in the field of athletics and a friend to the club’s members. He died in 2006 and the award was named in his honor.

The Atlanta Athletic Club established the Sports Appreciation Night in 1975. Past award recipients include Stewart Cink (2010), Hank Aaron (2007), Chipper Jones (2001), Vince Dooley (1990) and Arnold Palmer (1989).

Editor's note: Stan Awtrey contributed to this story.