The Columbus Dispatch - Golden Bear May Strike Gold

News Article

By Alan Johnson

Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear, may soon have his own Congressional Gold Medal.

As the 37th Memorial Tournament approaches this week, U.S. Sens. Rob Portman, a Republican, and Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, jointly introduced legislation to give Nicklaus the Congressional Gold Medal " in recognition of his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf."

"As perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus has already earned legendary status for his athletic achievements, his true sportsmanship on the golf course, and his promotion of the game" Portman said in a statement.

"Known across the world for his records on the golf course, it's his hometown Ohio roots that ground his lasting legacy," Brown said. "The Congressional Gold Medal is one of our nation's highest honors and it's fitting that the Golden Bear, who set records on the golf course and set the highest standards for service and philanthropy in our communities, receives it."

Nicklaus would join a stellar group that includes George Washington, Sir Winston Churchill, Bob Hope, Robert Frost, Joe Louis and Mother Teresa. Other Ohio winners of the honor are Neil A. Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, along with astronauts Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, and John Glenn.

The U.S. House last month voted 373-4 to award the medal to Nicklaus.

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