Nicklaus to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Ceremony will be held May 7 at The Players Championship

World Golf Hall of Fame member Jack Nicklaus, whose 18 professional major championship wins is more than any player in history, has been named the eighth recipient of the PGA TOUR's Lifetime Achievement Award. Nicklaus will be honored on May 7 during a ceremony at THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., a tournament Nicklaus won a record three times (1974, 1976, 1978).

Created in 1996, the Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the TOUR over an extended period of time through their actions on and off the course.

"Since first picking up a club at age 10, I have loved the game of golf," said Nicklaus, "and whether it is being fortunate to serve as captain of The Presidents Cup, or being active in golf course design in emerging markets all over the world, or lending a hand to the growth of The First Tee and other junior golf programs, I enjoy staying connected to the game. More importantly, I enjoy finding ways to give back to the game that has given my family and me so much."

Among Nicklaus' 118 professional victories worldwide, he owns a total of 73 PGA TOUR wins, second only to Sam Snead's 82. But it is his performance in the major championships alone that sets him above all others. Aside from his two U.S. Amateur Championships, Nicklaus won a record six Masters, a record-tying four U.S. Opens, three British Opens and a record-tying five PGA Championships for a record total of 18 professional major victories.

He completed three full cycles of the modern Grand Slam, and, as a senior, went on to win the Grand Slam on the Champions Tour to become the only player in history to accomplish the feat on both tours.

"Jack Nicklaus exemplifies the best qualities of golf, qualities that are at the heart of our sport," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "On the course, he was an extraordinarily fierce competitor who also demonstrated gracious sportsmanship at every turn. That was never more evident than when he served as captain of the U.S. Presidents Cup Team, showing on more than one occasion that goodwill and friendship are just as important as winning.

"Jack's competitive record is perhaps only out-shined by his impact outside the ropes. He is a prolific golf course designer, a supporter of numerous and impactful charities and a dedicated family man. Jack serves as the ultimate role-model for today's young players trying to balance a professional golf career and a family. He has done both with the utmost success."

Nicknamed the Golden Bear, Nicklaus was named Golfer of the Century or Golfer of the Millennium by numerous media outlets worldwide, and Sports Illustrated named him Best Individual Male Athlete of the 20th century.

Nicklaus was born Jan. 21, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio. As an amateur, he won the 1956 Ohio State Open at age 16. Three years later, he defeated Charlie Coe, 1 up, in an epic final round in the U.S. Amateur, and won it again at Pebble Beach in 1961.

Nicklaus turned pro in 1962, and by 1967, he had won seven major championships. Between 1970 and 1975, he added seven more. Nicklaus led the money list eight times, twice while playing only 16 events. Between 1962 and 1979, he finished in the top 10 in 243 of the 357 official events he played in, a rate of 68 percent.

Nicklaus was always known for demonstrating incredible sportsmanship in both victory and defeat. He finished second 19 times in major championships, but always gave credit to the winner. Another memorable example of his sportsmanship came at the 1969 Ryder Cup. With the outcome hanging in the balance, Nicklaus conceded a 2-foot putt to Tony Jacklin on the 18th hole, which resulted in the first tie in Ryder Cup history (the U.S. retained the Cup). Nicklaus' act, known now simply as "The Concession," is often cited as one of the greatest examples of good sportsmanship.

At the 2003 Presidents Cup in South Africa, Nicklaus, captain of the U.S. Team, was again part of a memorable act of sportsmanship and good will. Nicklaus and International Team Captain Gary Player declared the event a tie after Tiger Woods and Ernie Els traded do-or-die putts on the third hole of a twilight playoff. Nicklaus led the U.S. Team to victory in The Presidents Cup in 2005 and then again last year, during his fourth turn as U.S. Team Captain.

Nicklaus has helped shape the game as much away from the competition as in it. He is the founder and host of the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, just outside his hometown of Columbus, and the Nicklaus Companies' global business includes golf course design, development and licensing around the world. Nicklaus Design has been responsible for the creation of 325 courses in 32 countries and 38 states, and currently, they are the world leader with projects under development in 45 different countries.

Nicklaus and his wife Barbara have a long history of involvement in numerous charitable activities. They are the guiding light for the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, which supports numerous pediatric health-care services in a five-country area in South Florida. Nicklaus is also a national chairperson of The First Tee, and has twice spoken before Congress on the character-building values of the organization.

In 2005, Nicklaus was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award, by President George W. Bush. He was named the "Most Powerful Person in Golf" for the fourth consecutive year in 2007 by Golf Inc. magazine. In November 2007, an exhibit, "Jack Nicklaus: Golf's Golden Champion," opened at the World Golf Hall of Fame. Two months later, he was honored with the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship.

Nicklaus joins Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Jack Burke Jr., Pete Dye and Deane Beman as recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current and future members of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the U.S. and around the world.

In 2008, the three Tours are competing in approximately 108 events for approximately $355 million in prize money. Tournaments are being held in nine countries outside the U.S. and in 37 states. In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR's web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.