Jack Nicklaus is a name that every golf fan knows. He is often called the greatest golfer of all time. Even though he stopped playing professional tournaments years ago, he is still very famous and wealthy.
In this article, you will know Jack Nicklaus’s Net Worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Jack Nicklaus Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jack William Nicklaus |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1940 |
| Age | 85 |
| Education | Ohio State University |
| Nationality | United States |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 1961 |
| Net Worth | $400 Million |
| Total Career Earnings | $9.1 Million (Official & Senior Tours) |
| Wife | Barbara Bash Nicklaus |
| Instagram Profile | @jacknicklaus |
| Twitter Profile | @jacknicklaus |
Early Career
Jack Nicklaus started playing golf when he was a young boy in Ohio. He was very good at sports like basketball and football, but he loved golf the most.
He went to Ohio State University and played for their golf team. As an amateur player, he was amazing. He won the U.S. Amateur title twice, in 1959 and 1961.
During his college years, people started to notice his strong skills. He played in the U.S. Open against professional players and almost won in 1960. He finished in second place that year, which was a big deal for an amateur.
These early wins showed everyone that he was going to be a star. He turned professional in late 1961 to start his career for real.
Professional Career
Jack Nicklaus became a professional golfer and quickly showed he was the best. In his very first year as a pro, he won the 1962 U.S. Open. He beat another famous golfer, Arnold Palmer, in a playoff.
This win started a friendly rivalry between them. People gave Jack the nickname “The Golden Bear” because of his golden hair and big build.
Over his career, Jack won 73 times on the PGA Tour. His most famous record is winning 18 major championships. No other golfer has beaten this record yet. He won his last major, the Masters, in 1986 when he was 46 years old.
That win is one of the most famous moments in sports history. He played well for a very long time and is respected by players all over the world.
Caddie
For most of his famous wins, Jack had a caddie named Angelo Argea. Angelo was known for his grey afro hair and was very recognizable on the golf course. He started working for Jack in 1963.
They worked together for more than 20 years. Angelo helped Jack win 44 of his tournaments. He was not just a helper but also a good friend who kept Jack calm during pressure moments.
Wife
Jack Nicklaus has been married to his wife, Barbara Bash Nicklaus, for a very long time. They met when they were both students at Ohio State University. They got married on July 23, 1960. Barbara has been by his side through his whole career.
They have five children together: Jack II, Steve, Nan, Gary, and Michael. They also have many grandchildren. Jack and Barbara are also famous for their charity work, helping sick children through their foundation.
Jack Nicklaus’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jack Nicklaus has an estimated net worth of $400 million. Even though he didn’t make billions from prize money like players do today, he built a huge business empire.
Career Earnings
| Year | Achievement | Earnings (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Rookie Season (Won U.S. Open) | $61,869 |
| 1964 | Leading Money Winner | $113,284 |
| 1965 | Leading Money Winner | $140,752 |
| 1972 | Leading Money Winner (Record Year) | $320,542 |
| 1973 | Leading Money Winner | $308,362 |
| Total | Official PGA Tour Career | $5,734,031 |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Number |
|---|---|
| PGA Tour Wins | 73 |
| Major Championships | 18 |
| Runner-Up Finishes (Majors) | 19 |
| Senior Tour Wins | 10 |
| Total Professional Wins | 117 |
| World Golf Hall of Fame | Inducted 1974 |
FAQs
1. How many major championships did Jack Nicklaus win?
Jack Nicklaus won a total of 18 major championships during his career. This is the highest number of major wins by any golfer in history, placing him ahead of Tiger Woods.
2. What is Jack Nicklaus’s nickname?
He is famously known as “The Golden Bear.” He got this nickname early in his career because of his blonde hair, his larger physical size, and his aggressive style of play.
3. Is Jack Nicklaus still married?
Yes, he is still married to Barbara Bash Nicklaus. They have been married since July 1960, which means they have been together for over 65 years and have a large family.
4. Does Jack Nicklaus still play golf?
He retired from competitive golf. However, he still plays for fun and appears at special events like the Masters Ceremonial Tee Shot.
5. How much is Jack Nicklaus worth?
His estimated net worth is around $400 million. most of this wealth comes from his golf course design company, marketing deals, and long-term endorsements rather than just tournament prize money.



