Elite Traveler January-February 2018

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2018 43

“For the first 45 years of our marriage, my wife was my main support team. She knew when I was golfing that I didn’t need confrontation; that I didn’t need to come home and have to discipline the kids, or other things. She took care of all of that, making it an easier road for me. Now, this was her dream, and I can afford to help her make that dream come true. Her Just two years ago, after making a significant monetary commitment to the Miami Children’s Hospital, the hospital and its 14 adjunct outpatient facilities up and down the coast of Florida were renamed Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. “These are the things that will carry on the legacy for generations to come,” says Nicklaus. “Plus I am learning new skills. All my life I didn’t need to raise money, but now I find I am becoming a pretty good fundraiser,” he notes. In addition to advising today’s rising champions in all walks of life to be true to themselves, Nicklaus also says to pay attention to the most important aspect of your life. “The most satisfying part of my career was having a great wife and five kids, and being able to raise those kids so they knew their father was there for them. Today, all five of my kids know I am there for them, and my 22 grandkids know the same thing,” Nicklaus says. “To have the ability to balance work and family, to not let the business end dominate, and to take care of the most important things in your life, that is the most gratifying feeling ever.” Among his many accomplishments, Nicklaus, along with Gary Player, is responsible for one of the most important moments in golf history, resulting in a permanent rule change for the Presidents Cup. During the 2003 cup, played in South Africa, Nicklaus and Player agreed to end in a tie, and all 24 athletes on the men’s teams went home winners. But when I asked Nicklaus what was the best moment of his golf career, he answered: “Walking off the 18th green at the Masters in 1986 and having a nice big hug with my son right on the green.” passion is my number-one commitment,” Nicklaus says.