Golf legend Jack Nicklaus explains why he voted for President Donald Trump

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Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus posted a statement to Twitter on Wednesday night urging people to vote and detailing why he cast his ballot for President Donald Trump. 

In Nicklaus’ view, Trump has “delivered on his promises” and “worked for the average person,” while being “more diverse than any President I have seen and has tried to help people from all walks of life – equally.” 

Nicklaus also believes that “Trump’s policies will bring the American Dream to many families across the nation.” 

Nicklaus, 80, won 73 times on the PGA Tour and is golf’s all-time leader in major wins with 18. Nicknamed “The Golden Bear,” Nicklaus also founded the Memorial Tournament in his home state of Ohio and has been involved in the design of a lengthy list of golf courses. Over the summer, Nicklaus revealed that he and his wife had tested positive for COVID-19 back in the early days of the pandemic in March. 

In his Wednesday statement of support for Trump, he wrote: “You might not like the way our President says or tweets some things – and trust me, I have told him that! – but I have learned to look past that and focus on what he’s tried to accomplish. 

“This is not a personality contest; it’s about patriotism, policies and the people they impact. His love for America and its citizens, and putting his country first, has come through loud and clear. How he has said it has not been important to me. What has been important are his actions.”

Jack Nicklaus hits his ceremonial tee shot on the first hole during the first round of 2019 Masters.

 (Photo: Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports)

Nicklaus urged any undecided voters to vote for Trump, writing “if we want to continue to have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream, and not evolve into a socialist America and have the government run your life, then I strongly recommend you consider Donald J. Trump for another 4 years.” 

Shortly after the posting of Nicklaus’ statement, Trump – an avid golfer – thanked the Golden Bear for his support. “Jack, this is a Great Honor. Thank you!” Trump wrote in a tweet he pinned atop his page.  

President Trump and Nicklaus have played rounds of golf together on multiple occasions. Tiger Woods, second behind Nicklaus on golf’s all-time majors list, joined Nicklaus and Trump for one round in 2019.    

Nicklaus was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor, by then-President George W. Bush in 2005. 

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