Jack Nicklaus has been a part of U.S. Golf Association competitions for nearly 60 years.
Now his name will be forever linked to the U.S. Open.
The USGA announced today that the gold medal annually awarded to the winner will now be called the Nicklaus Medal. It features a silhouette of Nicklaus, who won the U.S. Open four times.
In addition, the USGA is adding a room to its museum in Far Hills, N.J., that will honor Nicklaus and his achievements. The museum already features rooms for Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Mickey Wright.
"It's pretty humbling and meaningful, these honors, both the medal and the museum," Nicklaus said. "I appreciate that."
Nicklaus won his first U.S. Open 50 years ago when he defeated Palmer in a playoff at Oakmont. A special film on that memorable duel will be broadcast this Sunday on NBC before the U.S. Open's final round.
Nicklaus went on to add U.S. Open wins in 1967, 1972 and 1980. With 18 majors, including six wins at the Masters Tournament, Nicklaus holds the record for most major titles.
