Famous Broken Ankle

The unusual story of Jack’s introduction to golf

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Famous Broken Ankle

The unusual story of Jack’s introduction to golf

Charlie Nicklaus, a fine all-around athlete, was playing volleyball in the spring of 1950 when he suffered a broken ankle. Three operations were required, and the ankle was fused. With Charlie slow to heal, his doctor recommended walking on soft ground for rehabilitation. In Charlie’s mind, that meant playing golf.

So he started playing several times a week—but he could only play one or two holes at a time before requiring rest. With so much downtime between holes, he decided to bring his son Jack to the course for companionship and to carry his bag. Eventually, Charlie encouraged Jack to hit a few shots with a cut-down set of clubs.

“I chipped and putted and fooled around,” Jack recalled. “He finally says, ‘Would you like to learn how to play this game?’ I said sure.”

Jack was immediately smitten. Golf had its future superstar.

Dad introduced me to everything. I still use my Dad's grip, which is the interlocking grip. I started with that because of my dad, and I still use it.”

— Jack Nicklaus