Jack Nicklaus to Be Bestowed With a Special Honor at St. Andrews During 150th Open

Jack Nicklaus is widely considered the greatest golfer of all time. The 18-time major winner played his last major at the Open Championship hosted by the Old Course, St. Andrews Links, in 2005. Nicknamed Golden Bear, the 82-year-old is returning to the home of golf this year; however, it is not to play but to receive an honor!

The home of golf is honoring Nicklaus for his contributions to the sport by granting him honorary citizenship of the Royal Burgh of St. Andrews. He will receive the honor during the week of the 150th Open Championship. Notably, it will be the fourth time St. Andrews Links will be rewarding him with awards. 

He became an honorary member of the St. Andrews Golf Club in 1978, following his victory at the Old Course. Furthermore, Nicklaus received an honorary doctorate from the University of St. Andrews in 1984. The Golden Bear also became an honorary member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews in 1990. 

The officials had decided and passed the measure to grant this honor to the 18-time major winning champion three years ago. However, the ceremony has to be postponed due to the global pandemic. 

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“I’m absolutely delighted and humbled by the honor,” the golfer said about receiving an honor like this from the home of golf. “It is going to be a truly memorable occasion for me, and my family,” he added. 

Notably, Nicklaus has won the Claret Jug at the Old Course twice, in 1970 and 1978. He also played his last major event at the same course in 2005.  

The venue, date, and more about the ceremony in which Jack Nicklaus is being honored

Jack Nicklaus will be granted honorary citizenship at the Younger Hall on July 12 at 1 pm. The Younger Hall is the main concert venue of St. Andrews and is located on the North street in the town center. Apart from honoring the 82-year-old legendary golfer, the University of St. Andrews will also grant doctorates to other golf legends. 

The former Open Champions Lee Trevino, Sir Bob Charles, and Sandy Lyle will receive the doctorate on July 12, Tuesday. The Scottish golfer Catriona Matthew and Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal will also receive the same for their contributions to golf. 

With his exceptional talent, Jack Nicklaus has given the golf world a lot of memories. His 18 major titles are still a record that no other golfers could beat. And the home of golf is honoring him with the respect he deserves.

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