Arnold Palmer on Jack Nicklaus in 1999: ‘The Simple Truth is, I Like Jack and I Admire Him in More Ways Than I Can Probably Express’

Staunch rivals or the best of friends? Anybody from afar would have a hard time figuring out the relationship between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. However, given everything they have faced together in the last 50 years, it is justified.

Nicklaus and Palmer are two of the greatest golfers that the world has ever seen. They were part of the big three in golf during the 1960s, along with Gary Player. Between them, they dominated the sport, and popularized and commercialized it to a global level.

It is natural, in such conditions, that there would exist some competition and friction between the two. However, over time, their relationship blossomed, and this is what Palmer had to say about it.

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Arnold Palmer reveals his fondness for Nicklaus

Nicklaus, who is about 10 years younger than Palmer, was just a teenager when Palmer was soaring the sky. In his praise, the latter said, “I needed Jack to remind me what my Pap had warned me from the beginning—’there was always going to be some talented young guy out there who could beat you 10 ways to Sunday, so you’d better never let your guard down.”‘

AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 07: Arnold Palmer watches the ceremonial first tee shot to start the first round of the 2011 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2011 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

“I think Jack needed me to serve as the high standard he was aiming for. If he could beat me, which he ultimately did, he could beat anybody and become the greatest player in the game.”

Finally, in 1999, he revealed the then status of their relationship. He said, “We’re closer now, in some respects, than we have ever been. We share a golden history and a thousand memories of laughter and tears… The simple truth is, I like Jack and I admire him in more ways than I can probably express.”

AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 09: Honorary Starter Jack Nicklaus of the United States greets the patrons on the first tee during the first round of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

A perfect ending to a relationship that meant so much to the world, on so many levels. What are your thoughts about the same?

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