Japanese honored Jack Nicklaus at Jack Nicklaus International Invitational Tournament of Champions

Jack Nicklaus was awarded The Order of The Rising Sun Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, the highest honor Japan bestows on any non-Japanese citizen, by The Honorable Naohito Watanabe, Consulate General of Japan Oct. 23 at the Bear's Club, Jupiter, Fla.

The award, in the form of a decoration, was awarded to Nicklaus in recognition of his distinguished accomplishments and service to promoting ties between Florida and Japan. Established in 1875, the decorative award features rays of sunlight radiating from the rising sun.

With the honor, Nicklaus joined a list of distinguished Floridians including former governor Reubin Askew, Dr. Mark Orr, the late Judge Richard Swann and John Nitta, among others.

The ceremony was held in conjunction with the inaugural Jack Nicklaus International Invitational Tournament of Champions Oct. 24 at the Bear's Club.

The tournament, hosted by Jack Nicklaus Apparel International, was the final competition for two-member teams from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, China, Philippines and Indonesia. Each team played in and won their national championship in order to represent their country at the finals.

Players participated in the two-man scramble format during the 18-hole tournament. Edmund Reinhard and Tim Doran from the United States won this year's event, posting a final score of 68. They were awarded a trophy and prizes from Nicklaus Golf Equipment and Jack Nicklaus Sportswear for their achievement.

As a company, Nicklaus Design has 24 courses open for play in Japan. Jack Nicklaus has been personally involved with 20 of those projects. Nicklaus Design is represented in 29 countries and 38 states and more than 60 percent of their 56 courses under construction, design or development are outside the United States.

Jack Nicklaus with tournament participants.

Photo Diary: Click here for photos from the Jack Nicklaus International Invitational Tournament of Champions