Jack Nicklaus Learned to Accept Defeat After a Life-Changing Lesson From His Old Man: ‘I Don’t Care What Your Feeling Is Inside’

Jack Nicklaus is considered one of the greatest-ever to play golf. Several of his accolades, including his 18 wins at major championships, have remained unassailable to this day. On many occasions, Nicklaus has thanked his family and friends for their support throughout the journey. But he places his father, Charlie Nicklaus, at a special podium. It was Charlie who introduced him to golf, while also teaching him some of the most important learnings from the game.

Jack Nicklaus learned how to be a good sport from his father

While his father instilled a winning mentality in Jack from a young age, the latter was often perceived as arrogant in his early days. But Charlie knew his son well and taught him how to deal with situations that didn’t go his way.

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Father Charlie believed in the old saying, ‘It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game’. Even if it meant giving up on the winning mentality. According to his father, great players were remembered for their conduct after defeats.

“I don’t care what your feeling is inside. If the other guy wins, make him believe you’re happy for him. Look him in the eye, give him a firm handshake and say, ‘Well done.’” Nicklaus’ father said to him.

Everything that transpired after the warm conciliation was up to him, though. “Now if you want to go in the locker room and beat your head against the wall? That’s your choice.”

Was Charlie Nicklaus Jack’s first coach?

The father of the 18-time major championship winner, Charlie Nicklaus was an active sportsperson himself. He used to be a regular in playing sports, such as football, basketball, and baseball.

However, on a wretched day, he injured his ankle while playing volleyball. Initially waving it off as a sprain, he soon realized he had suffered from a broken ankle and underwent three fusion operations.

Restricted from being able to enjoy high-mobility sports, Charlie took up golf. This was when his young son, Jack, turned 10. The young boy would carry his father’s bags and chip and putt at the Scioto Country Club in Ohio. He learned the basics of the game here, developing into one of the greatest golfers to ever live.

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