Jack Nicklaus

Awards & Honours

226

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Jack Nicklaus's achievements redefine excellence in sports. Holding the record for 18 major championships, he has surpassed every previous benchmark in golf history. His ability to win majors at different stages of his career, including his historic 1986 Masters victory at age 46, demonstrates unparalleled longevity. He is the only player to complete double and triple career grand slams, a statistical feat that may never be matched. His induction into multiple halls of fame and receipt of the nation's highest civilian honors underscore his impact beyond the sport.

AwardsJack Nicklaus has received every conceivable honor in golf and beyond. He won 18 major championships, a record that stands unchallenged in men's golf. His accolades include the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2015. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 as a founding member and has won the Vardon Trophy six times. Additionally, he was named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in 1966 and Associated Press Athlete of the Decade for the 1970s.

Honours & Distinctions

Presidential Medal of Freedom

President George W. Bush·2005

Highest civilian award in the United States for exceptional contributions.

Congressional Gold Medal

United States Congress·2015

Legislative recognition for outstanding achievements and contributions.

Robert Trent Jones Legacy Award

Golf Course Superintendents Association·2026

Recognition for lifetime contributions to golf course architecture.

Rankings & Lists

ESPN Greatest Golfer of All Time

ESPN·2016

Golf Digest Greatest Golfer of All Time

Golf Digest·2020

BBC 100 Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century

BBC·1999

Magazine Covers

TIME

1966-06-13

The Golden Bear

TIME

1986-04-21

The Comeback King

Sports Illustrated

1966-06-20

Grand Slam Winner

Sports Illustrated

1986-04-28

Ageless Wonder

Golf Digest

1975-01-01

The Master

Records & Feats

Most Major Championships Won

Awards·1980

Holds the record with 18 major wins in men's golf history.

Triple Career Grand Slam

Career Milestone·1980

Only player to win each major at least three times.

Oldest Masters Champion

Box Office·1986

Won the 1986 Masters at age 46, the oldest winner in tournament history.