By Fred Altvater
Ohio native Jack Nicklaus was awarded another high honor in June, as he received the Lincoln Medal at Ford’s Theatre in the nation’s capital. Once again proving that he is as successful off the golf course, as he was on it.
Nicklaus was honored for his philanthropic and entrepreneurial success, plus he is considered golf’s greatest champion, as well as being a global golf course designer, & ambassador for the game.
Lincoln Award recipients, through their achievements and personal attributes, exemplify the lasting legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The list of former Lincoln Award winners is impressive and includes; Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Dr. Maya Angelou, Morgan Freeman, James Earl Jones, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Bill Russell and Peyton Manning.
Nicklaus is only the fourth person in history and the first athlete, to be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal and the Lincoln Medal.
Nicklaus credited his family for his success. His wife Barbara plus couple’s five children, Jack II, Steve, Nan, Gary and Michael, were in attendance at the prestigious ceremony.
Nicklaus said, 
“Everything that has happened good for me in the game of golf has been because of my family. They give my life meaning and purpose, and I wouldn’t be standing here today without their love, support and inspiration. So, my biggest thank you goes out to them. I will never be able to repay what the game of golf has given me, but it is because of golf and my family that I’ve been able to give back something to what matters most to all of us: children.”
The Nicklaus charities supported by the Honda Classic in Florida and the Memorial Tournament in Columbus has helped the Nicklaus’ raise millions of dollars for medical research and care giving to benefit children’s health care.
Jack is the first to admit that his wife Barbara was the impetus behind the couple’s involvement in charitable activities. It was Barbara, who made him aware of the need, their unique position and ability to help raise needed dollars to benefit children.
The Golden Bear and grandfather, many times over, willingly participates and has become a veteran charity volunteer.
Since its beginning in 1976, The Memorial Tournament has generated over $30 million for central Ohio Children’s Charities alone. Charitable funds received from the Honda Classic for south Florida Children’s charities are over $60 million.
With 18 major championship victories, Jack Nicklaus is not only one of the most successful golfers of all time, but he is also one of the most beloved. Rightly so, he has been recognized for his accomplishments not only on the golf course, but for his philanthropic endeavors off the course, as well.
