‘For Me To…’: Jack Nicklaus Made a Tough Decision About His Game To Honor His Mother’s Final Wish in 2000

Tough times demand hard decisions. Often because of their superhuman-like abilities, athletes’ lives seem easy and carefree. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. They in fact have to make many of the same decisions we do, except do so publicly. Jack Nicklaus faced such a scenario 22 years ago. He had to make one of the hardest decisions of his life to honor his mother’s last wish.

Few people can even imagine achieving what the golf legend has accomplished in his career. But that hasn’t come easy for the golf pro. He has had to make some tough calls along the way, and that’s the reason he has 73 PGA Tour titles.

Jack Nicklaus fulfills his mother wish by his actions

In August 2000, the golf legend was playing at the PGA Championship. He was on the fourth hole of the practice round when he received the unfortunate news of his mother’s passing. Nicklaus was heartbroken. The news wasn’t completely unexpected since she had been suffering from an illness for a while. But how prepared can one be for their parent’s death?

As per a CBS News report, Nicklaus announced to the press that day that he would still be partaking in the major championship. He added that it was what his mother would’ve wanted. “I know her wish would be for me to stay here and play,” he stated, inconsolable. “I certainly would not want to not fulfill her last wishes, so I have decided to remain here and play in the PGA Championship.”

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He had on Monday that week spoken to his mother, who had warned him that her time was near. ‘The Golden Bear’ left the course to gather his thoughts but had vowed to return on Thursday. He planned to fly to Ohio to be with his family soon after the first round and then return Friday morning to continue.

Nicklaus wish to play better for his mother

This was to be the last time the 18-time major winner competed in the four major championships. He stated that his mother wanted that for him. The ex-golf pro was disheartened but determined to satisfy her final intentions.

“I’ll have her in my thoughts,” he claimed sorrowfully. “Maybe it will inspire me to play a little better.” To honor his mother, Nicklaus had fought every urge of his to rush back to her and pay his respects. His resolve to do so was unimaginable and stemmed from love.

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What would you do if you were in Jack’s shoes? Let us know in the comments below.