Who was Jack Nicklaus' teacher?

Jack Nicklaus’ teacher was golf professional Jack Grout.

Nicklaus met Grout in 1950, when Nicklaus was 10 years old and Grout was the head professional at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. Grout recognized the boy’s unusual talent and became his lifelong instructor. Nicklaus continued consulting him even after becoming one of golf’s most successful players.

Grout emphasized fundamentals such as a sound grip, balance, steady head position, proper footwork, and a wide swing arc. He also encouraged Nicklaus to understand and adjust his own swing rather than depend constantly on a coach. That approach helped Nicklaus develop the powerful, distinctive swing associated with his career.

Their relationship extended beyond technical instruction. Nicklaus described Grout as a second father, and they worked together for nearly four decades, until Grout’s death in 1989. Although Nicklaus later received guidance from other professionals for particular aspects of his game, Grout is the canonical answer to the question of who taught him.