More Than Just a Golfer, Jack Nicklaus’ Biggest Fear Puts a Whole New Level of Respect on His Name

Jack Nicklaus is arguably the most accomplished golfer in the sport. Yet despite his massive list of accolades, he has always chosen to be known as a family man rather than a golfer. This isn’t just a random choice that the ‘Golden Bear’ made; in fact, he learned this from his father and mother! And it wasn’t the only thing his parents, Charlie Nicklaus and Helen Schoener, had taught him. In truth, Jack still lives his life according to their ways. And his deepest fear? Well, that involves them too!

Nicklaus’ greatest fear is revealed

ESPN’s Father Bear: An Intimate Portrait of Jack Nicklaus explores the golf legend’s life in depth. From his greatest accomplishments to his grave moments of despair, the ‘Golden Bear’s’ entire personal and professional life was an open book. And within those words was also how much of an influence his parents were on him.

The 18-time major winner’s longtime employee, Andy O’Brien, revealed in his memoir how the 83-year-old lived his life. All his choices were driven by maxims involving his parents, and his greatest fear was also all about them. “What scares him?” said O’Brien. “My best guess is doing anything that would hurt the name his mom and dad entrusted him with.”

Read More – How Many Kids and Grandkids Does Jack Nicklaus Have?

The loyal employee also believed that the PGA Tour legend was doing anything to ruin his family name, and it is clear that he was right. Every business decision and choice that the golf great ever made, he always asked himself how it would affect the Nicklaus name. And he never took any step that could even remotely dredge that prestigious name through the mud.

How did Charlie’s death affect Jack Nicklaus?

The 73-time PGA Tour winner’s father passed away at quite a young age of 56, after a furious battle with pancreatic cancer. His death tore a hole right through the golf legend’s heart. He was heartbroken, more so because his father never got to see any of the great golf courses he built in his career, since he passed when Nicklaus was working on his first project.

But making his father proud in the spirit became the golf legend’s mission. Every choice he made and also the path he took, he ensured that Charlie would be proud of him. And clearly, that worked out great for the golf champion. Wouldn’t you agree?

Watch This Story – Meet Jack Nicklaus’ Family 

What do you think about the maxims and fears that the 83-year-old lives his life by? Let us know in the comments below.