Book excerpt: Jack William Nicklaus, born on January 21st, 1940, Columbus, Ohio, US, nicknamed The Golden Bear, is a retired professional golfer, considered by many as the greatest golfer of all time. Nicklaus won a record 18 major championships over more than 25 years, while having 19 runner-up and 9 third-place finishes. Jack focused on the major championships-Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship, while playing a selective schedule of regular PGA Tour events, but still finished with 73 victories, 3rd on the all-time list behind Sam Snead (82) and Tiger Woods (79).