Portrait of Four-Time U.S. Open Champion Jack Nicklaus

About this Photograph: Considered by many to be the greatest champion in the game's history, Jack Nicklaus, known to many as the Golden Bear, won seven USGA championships, including four U.S. Opens, which ties him with Bob Jones, Ben Hogan and Willie Anderson. Nicklaus' third Open triumph came at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links, the same layout where he captured the 1961 U.S. Amateur. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Nicklaus won five consecutive Ohio Junior titles from the age of 12. He never won the U.S. Junior Amateur, but served notice of his greatness when he bested defending champion Charlie Coe in the 1959 U.S. Amateur final. He won the same title in 1961 before turning pro and winning the 1962 U.S. Open in a playoff over Arnold Palmer at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club for his first title as a professional. He finished his Hall-of-Fame career with a record 18 major victories.