‘Many Regrets’: 18x Major Winner Jack Nicklaus Once Wrote an Emotional Letter to the USGA Before Joining the PGA Tour

Jack Nicklaus has made millions of fans during his unforgettable career on the PGA Tour. Now a retired golfer, the man set countless records on the field. However, before joining the PGA Tour, there was someone Nicklaus needed to inform about his decision. And his team once posted a picture of a letter he wrote informing them about joining the PGA Tour.

Jack Nicklaus’ letter before joining the PGA Tour

Nicklaus, 83, has done something that no other golfers have been able to do yet. The 18x major winner’s achievements are unimaginable to match for even golf legends like Tiger Woods. But before joining the PGA Tour, the golf star mentioned certain regrets in a letter to the USGA.

In a tweet from 2015, Nicklaus’ social media team shared a picture of the golfer’s letter to Joseph Day Jr. about his intentions to join the PGA Tour and turn pro. Dated Nov. 7, 1961, Nicklaus wrote the letter exactly 54 years ago from the day he reshared it. And what it said, was no surprise coming from the golf legend.

Here’s what the letter said: “It is with mixed emotions and considerable thought that I am writing this letter to you of my intentions to apply for membership in the Professional Golf Association.” Nicklaus also mentioned his regrets about not being able to defend his USGA Amateur title in 1962. “I also have many regrets,” he wrote.

Nicklaus expressed his feelings about leaving the association and his wish for their relations to remain the same. “I am sure that the pleasant relationship with you and your association will remain the same…my respect and admiration has grown many-fold during those years for you and your organization.” the letter said.

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It was clearly not the easiest thing for Nicklaus to do as the last statements mentioned that “writing this letter has not been a pleasant chore”. On the other hand, one of the biggest reasons for him to turn pro was the added income he would receive. The golfer’s wife also once revealed how the two decided for Nicklaus to turn professional when they were extremely broke. Well, in our opinion, turning professional was probably one of the best decisions the GOAT ever took.

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