‘You’re Never Done Being a…’: Jack Nicklaus Once Gave a Crucial Piece of Advice to His Son

Jack Nicklaus has 117 professional wins. The golden bear holds the uncontested record of winning 18 majors. He has inspired many by his professional career and still continues to do so. Nicklaus considered his father as the most influential person in his life. He has acknowledged how his father taught him how to be a good sport and, most importantly, be a man of his word.

And just like he learned from his father, he has passed on a few teachings to his son as well.

Read more: ‘A Day Will Come’: Jack Nicklaus Once Revealed How His Childhood Trauma Helped Him Establish a Foundation for Children With His Wife

Wisdom shared by Jack Nicklaus to his children

Nicklaus has 5 children. To the world, he is the golf legend, but to his children, he is also the most legendary father. He has always put his children first. His eldest son Jack Nicklaus Jr. wrote in his book about one such incident, wherein he depicts how his dad listened and resolved to his problems first before breaking the news of him winning his 17th major title.

In a PNC interview with Jack Nicklaus II, when Nicklaus was asked about the recent words of wisdom she shared with his children, he said, “I don’t care how old your children get, you’re always a dad. His son is 26 and he’s caddying for him. Out here caddying for his father, so I’m sure he’ll get words of wisdom from his father too, just like I gave him words of wisdom. You’re never done being a dad, that’s the way it works. My wife is never done being a mom.”

It is true that the job of a parent never ends. And even though Nicklaus thinks he has not imparted any wisdom to his children in years, Nicklaus Jr. does not agree.

“It’s been 40, 50 years since I shared any wisdom with you,” he said. To which Nicklaus Jr. replied, “That’s not true. Maybe not about how to hit a golf ball, but not how to live life. We get that every day.”

Jack Nicklaus’s Fathers Teachings

The process of parenting is something like a cycle. We learn from our parents, implement those teachings to make our lives better. And from our life experiences, we teach our children. 

Charlie Nicklaus was the man who was the man behind the curtain for Jack. He taught him how to accept his defeat and humbly accept his win. His death is what made him realize that he had not been giving his best and pushed him to work hard on improving his skills. 

All his wins are to honor the memory of his father.

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