September 10, 2021 | BY AVERY D. BECTON
On August 23, 2021, a select group of media had an opportunity to have a unique and intimate conversation with the great Jack Nicklaus at the ninth-annual Creighton Farm Golf Invitational in Aldie, Virginia. The two-day event was held to support and save lives of children through the National PKU Alliance and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.
Jack took the time to meet with a small informal group of media to answer questions and talk about his children’s health care foundation.
During the session, Jack (aka “The Golden Bear”) passionately spoke about one of his biggest scares was when his then 11-month-old daughter had a piece of crayon lodged in her throat that eventually broke into small pieces and it led to her getting pneumonia.
After his daughter’s full recovery, he and his wife, Barbara, pledged if ever in a position to help others, they wanted to help children. Eventually, this led to the establishment of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation which provides world class cutting-edge, pediatric healthcare. “Early in our lives, Barbara and I wanted to extend a hand to lift up children”, said the former professional golfer and golf course designer.
Jack was then asked about his role in mentoring some of the current players on philanthropy and giving back to the community. Jack said, “a lot of the players today recognize the importance of giving back to the community and freely offer their support to the cause.”
Jack also spoke on his company Nicklaus Design and their numerous courses. As of Feb 2019, the company had designed over 410 golf courses and 57 more under development around the world, in the pre-design stage, including locations in Saudi Arabia, two along the Iranian border, Greece, Portugal, Belgium, Scotland, and Toronto.
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In the U.S., his company is currently teaming with Beyond Housing on designing a golf course in Ferguson, MO, just outside of St Louis. Beyond Housing is a nationally recognized community development organization that helps strengthen families, create jobs, and transform communities.
When asked about his golf legacy, Jack noted that he doesn’t care about his legacy but wants to “leave a better place than when we came.” He acknowledged that golf has put him in a position where he is today.
Currently, Jack and Barbara reside in Palm Beach, Florida and have 5 children and 22 grandchildren.
Avery D. Becton is an avid golfer with a passion for world travel. He resides in Manassas Park, Va., and serves as President of Becton Consulting LLC, providing strategic support services for Government Contracts and Acquisitions.
