For fifth straight year, Golf Inc. tabs Jack as the
“Most Powerful Person in Golf”

Jack Nicklaus, through his global reach in design and development, as well as the worldwide marketing and licensing of his iconic brand, is atop Golf Inc. magazine’s coveted list of the “Most Powerful People in Golf” for a record-extending fifth consecutive year. The Golden Bear became the magazine’s first-ever four-time honoree a year ago.

“No one typifies the international nature of the game, especially when it comes to setting trends and commanding the respect of the golf industry more than Jack Nicklaus,” said Golf Inc. Publisher and Editor in Chief Jack Crittenden. “He truly is a global ambassador for the game and for the business of golf.”

Nicklaus tops the worldwide list of 35 individuals who were selected for their ability to influence the development of courses and communities, the operation of courses, the equipment used by golfers and the rules and regulations of the game. Troon CEO Dana Garmany and Eric Affeldt, CEO and president of ClubCorp, held their positions from last year’s list at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, while Tiger Woods moved up one spot to No. 4. Jumping from No. 16 to 9 is David Chu, chairman of Mission Hills, the record-setting facility in Shenzhen, China, that includes Jack Nicklaus’ World Cup design among its 12 courses—the most of any facility in the world.

Golf Inc. wrote that while Nicklaus is no longer making his impact as a legendary player, his “design firm is the most prolific on the planet,” with services in demand just as much in Dubai as in Dallas. Over the past eight years, Nicklaus Design has averaged opening 16 courses a year, with 20 planned to open by the end of 2008. The company has projects signed, under design or in development in 45 different countries, 25 in which the company has never before been involved, introducing and growing the game in new or emerging markets around the world. Nicklaus is also utilizing his global influence to assist the effort to return golf to the Olympic Games, after more than a century since the sport’s last appearance in the Olympics.

In addition to the global licensing of equipment, apparel and golf academies, the Nicklaus Companies has expanded its business to branding with golf courses tied into luxury communities worldwide that are part of the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club program.

A digital version of Golf Inc.’s “Most Powerful People in Golf” issue is available at http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/cypress/golfinc1008/index.php?startid=22. The Most Powerful People in Golf story can be found on Page 22.