Eighteen-time major champion Jack Nicklaus has been the subject of many anecdotes shared by players who competed alongside him over the years. 

One such story was recalled by Fred Couples in an interview with the Associated Press, offering insight into how Jack Nicklaus approached the game. 

That account dates back to Couples’ first time being paired with Nicklaus on tour. The pairing took place at Doral in 1983, during Couples’ third season. 

As the round began on the Blue Monster course, weather conditions changed soon after they teed off, setting the stage for an incident that left a lasting impression on Couples.

Play continued despite worsening weather, yet Nicklaus chose not to hit his next shot. Instead, he waited until officials suspended the round. 

Nicklaus recognized that conditions no longer met the standard for fair play and acted accordingly. 

“We got in the first fairway, Jack Nicklaus had driven it down the middle, I was in the right side in the rough, just past him, and it started to rain, then it started to pour,” Fred Couples said. “There was no horn, no nothing. Nicklaus just stood there for a long, long time. I mean a LONG time. Guys were playing up 18, and Nicklaus just stood there.”

How Jack Nicklaus conducted himself on the course

Nicklaus did not attempt a shot in the rain, and play paused for several minutes before officials sounded the siren. He then marked his ball, and the players went inside as the round was suspended. 

The day’s play was later abandoned, and when it resumed, the field was regrouped into threesomes. Couples was no longer paired directly with Nicklaus, which eased his concern about interfering during play.

The episode remains a clear example of why his reputation extends beyond results, rooted in his understanding of the rules and his decision to follow them without exception.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Joyita Das