There are multiple enticing stories related to Jack Nicklaus' illustrious career, and the legend of his unwavering love for the grip his club is undoubtedly one of them.

In a Golf on CBS reel shared on Instagram on January 22, Nicklaus revealed he kept the same grip on his 3-wood driver from 1958 to 1981, sticking with it through decades of golf’s biggest stages.

“It just felt good, yeah. It was, I liked it. And I've never changed grips with anything. You know, if I got a new set of golf clubs, I got a new set of grips, but I never changed grips.”

Talking about the fingers, Nicklaus used an interlocking grip, linking the trail-hand pinky with the lead-hand index finger to keep both hands working as one unit. 

Nicklaus didn't feel the need to replace the grip (equipment) on his MacGregor 3-wood since it gave him control and a steady connection through the swing. He continued with it until 1981, as he avoided changing equipment unless he had to.

However, Nicklaus' MacGregor 3-wood remained in his bag until 1995. After that, it was placed on display in the Jack Nicklaus Room at the USGA Museum at its headquarters in Far Hills, N.J.

Jack Nicklaus Also Explained Why His 3-Wood Stayed in the Bag for So Long

Nicklaus said he used the same 3-wood from the time he was 18 and kept it in play for most of his career. He wasn’t sure if it lasted until 1995, but he explained that he didn’t switch until the late 1990s, when he moved to metal woods. 

Over the years, the club changed in wear, with the leading edge becoming more rounded and the face losing loft, making it harder to get the ball up from the turf. 

Even then, he stayed with it because it was familiar, and he knew what to expect every time he pulled it from the bag.

Do you know any other story about a golfer showing such loyalty towards his gear?

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Souvik Roy