The luncheon benefited The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. (Photo by Jim Mandeville)

The Wyndham Anatole's Khmer Pavilion ballroom was at capacity Oct. 28 when more than 1,200 Dallas-area residents turned out to support the 15th annual "A Conversation With a Living Legend" luncheon benefiting The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

The crowd arrived for a lively conversation between golf great Jack Nicklaus and GOLF Magazine columnist and CBS Sports commentator, David Feherty.

Nicklaus fans contributed more than $630,000 for M. D. Anderson's research and patient care programs, $15,000 of which came from the live auction of a Nicklaus golf bag. Surprising the crowd during the bidding, Nicklaus threw in one of his personal 1-iron golf clubs, and the bag was quickly purchased by M. D. Anderson Board of Visitors member, Baxter Brinkmann, owner and chief executive officer of the Brinkmann Corp. in Dallas.

"No one has been more responsible for delivering goose bumps throughout the years than Jack Nicklaus," said Bill Melton, former Dallas Cowboys announcer and Living Legend master of ceremonies. "And today, we are thrilled to pay tribute to his extraordinary career, which prompted those goose bumps, and thank him for his generosity in being part of this year's event."

Lunch-goers enjoyed more than 30 minutes of comedic conversation between the two, as Feherty, known for his witty commentary, touched on the various aspects of Nicklaus' life, from his career records to his devotion to his family. Nicklaus talked about how his interest in golf began at the age of 10 when began playing with his father. Now, holding a record 20 major-championship titles, Nicklaus discussed his perception of the game and the competition surrounding it.

"No one likes to see his records broken, but the game of golf is more important than I am," Nicklaus says. "Records are made to be broken -- it's simply great for the game."

Since 1990, "A Conversation With a Living Legend" has raised more than $5 million for M.D. Anderson's research, patient care, education and prevention programs. Past legends have included Arnold Palmer, Nolan Ryan, Colin Powell, Barbara and George Bush and Lance Armstrong.