Jack Nicklaus recalls his good ol’ days at the Scioto Country Club, Columbus Ohio
Born in Upper Arlington Ohio, Jack Nicklaus hails from a German Descent and his father Charlie Nicklaus worked as a Pharmacist. Having found an early interest in the sport following his father around the courses, Nicklaus was brought to the Scioto Country Club by his father at the age of ten.
He shot a record 51 on the nine holes at Scioto at a tender age and remained part of the golfing community for a long period of time.
Scioto was also the place where Nicklaus met his coach and legendary mentor Jack Grout. For Nicklaus, Scioto is sketched in his memories for as long as he lives.
Being the honorary Chairman of the US Senior Open and having won the event himself, Nicklaus was the guest at the ceremony held at the clubhouse of the scenic course.
The ceremony marked USGA’s announcement of selecting Scioto as the host for the US Senior Open in 2016.
Nicklaus said, “Scioto is steeped in championship golf history, and it is something that I was indoctrinated with in my childhood. I grew up with Bob Jones as my idol, largely in part due to the wonderful stories and memories attached to his US Open victory at Scioto in 1926”.
The course, also the first 18-hole course in Ohio was inaugurated in the year 1916 and will be completing its 100 years of successful operation in all these years.
It was designed by Scottish-born architect Donald Ross and has undergone several restructuring after that. The course was recently redesigned by architect Michael Hurdzan and Nicklaus himself.
Nicklaus added, “It is personally gratifying to see another Major Championship being added to Scioto’s legacy, I’m thrilled the USGA is bringing such a significant championship to the passionate fans of Columbus and central Ohio”.
The historic course has been the venue of no fewer than five major championships and Nicklaus has won several times on the scenic course.
Winner of a record 18-major events in his unparalleled career, Nicklaus considers Scioto as his home course and holds special affiliation with the greens and fairways.
Nicklaus switched over to Senior Tour on the PGA after turning 50 and has won the US Senior Open Championship twice in 1991 and 1993.
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