The United States Golf Association held a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday for the new Jack Nicklaus Room at the USGA Museum in Far Hills.
The 75-year-old Hall of Famer was on hand for the event and was very pleased by how the room turned out.
"The USGA did the Jack Nicklaus Room so nicely, so tastefully -- it's not a large room, but there is so much to it," Nicklaus said during the dedication ceremony.
The room, which was created to celebrate the life and career of golf's greatest major champion, is filled with artifacts from Nicklaus' storied career.
"The USGA has been the guiding light of my career." - @jacknicklaus at today's dedication ceremony. pic.twitter.com/OqLdTmgRdH
— USGA (@USGA) May 27, 2015
Some of the most notable items on display at the museum include:
MacGregor Tommy Armour 3-wood
Nicklaus used this 3-wood from 1958 through 1995 and won all 18 of his professional majors and both U.S. Amateurs using it.
"White Fang," Acushnet Bull's Eye Putter
In an effort to jump-start his game, Nicklaus switched to this putter before the 1967 U.S. Open. It was painted white and the round grip was altered with a pencil jammed into the end of it. He made eight birdies in a final-round 65 to win his second U.S. Open.
MacGregor VIP 1-iron
Nicklaus won seven major championships and hit two of his most memorable shots with this 1-iron: the 238-yard approach to the 72nd hole at Baltusrol in 1967 and the tee shot at the 71st hole at Pebble Beach in 1972.
Caddie overalls worn by Jack Nicklaus II, 1986 Masters
Nicklaus won his 18th major championship at Augusta National in 1986 at age 46. The victory was unforgettable, not only because of his final-nine heroics, but because his son Jackie caddied for him.
MacGregor 5-iron, 1986 Masters
Coming off an eagle at 15, Nicklaus hit a 5-iron at the 170-yard 16th. As the ball was in flight, Jackie yelled, "Be right!" and Nicklaus said, "It is," as the ball rolled back to within 3 feet, setting up a birdie.
Wedding invitation and napkin
Jack and Barbara Nicklaus were married on July 23, 1960. Nicklaus has said that Barbara has been his foundation, his voice of reason, his biggest supporter, his best friend and the love of his life.
Bronze sculpture
"Jack is Back" by Zenos Frudakis
Painting
A Study of Jack Nicklaus 1 by Harold Riley
The 1,200-square-foot exhibit space contains more than 80 artifacts and joins galleries that honor Bob Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Mickey Wright.
(h/t Nicklaus.com)
