What is golfer Jack Nicklaus' nickname?

Golfer Jack Nicklaus’ nickname is “The Golden Bear.”

Nicklaus became known by the nickname during the early 1960s, when Australian sportswriter Don Lawrence described the large, strong, blond American golfer as a “golden bear.” The phrase quickly became associated with Nicklaus and remained his defining sporting identity throughout his professional career. His high-school teams at Upper Arlington High School also used the Golden Bears mascot, which is sometimes cited as an additional influence on the name.

Nicklaus turned professional in 1961 and won his first professional major, the 1962 U.S. Open, the following year. He eventually won 18 major championships, a men’s record that helped make “The Golden Bear” synonymous with golfing greatness.

The nickname is not a reference to a particular tournament or award. It describes Nicklaus himself, just as “The King” is associated with Arnold Palmer. Nicklaus later extended the name to his golf-course design and business ventures, including Golden Bear International.