Jack Nicklaus Says He Targeted Majors Differently: 'Play to Win'

He drew a clear line between regular Tour events and majors, but the PGA Championship demanded more from him. “The PGA Championship was a major championship,” Nicklaus said. “So I would prepare more for major championships.”

His strategy inside those events was just as deliberate. He rarely forced things. Instead, he waited. “I said most people self-destructed, particularly in a major,” Nicklaus said. “Majors I felt were easier to win coming down the stretch because people were afraid to win majors.”

He had five wins between 1963 and 1980. His last PGA Championship victory came at Oak Hill, where he won by a record seven shots. During practice that week, his son Jackie noticed a problem in his putting stroke, which helped him improve.

Why the PGA Championship Meant More to Jack Nicklaus

Nicklaus said the PGA Championship was very special to him. He felt it was different from the other major tournaments because he saw it as the championship of his own golf group and the fellow players he competed with.

“I sort of put the PGA Championship as the championship of my association,” he said, “all my fellow pros.”

When the PGA Championship was played in August, Nicklaus saw it as the last big tournament of the year and a chance to build confidence for the next season. He said moving it to May was a smart choice because the wind and weather make the course tougher, which is better for a major championship.

His last appearance was at Valhalla in 2000, where he played alongside Tiger Woods. After that, Nicklaus clearly felt it was time to step aside.

“I realized it was time to pass the baton,” Nicklaus said. “This kid was so good.”