Photos: Jack Nicklaus through the years

Jack Nicklaus turned 83 on Jan. 21, 2023.

That means it’s been about six decades since the Golden Bear broke onto the professional golf scene. Most of today’s golf fans weren’t around to see Nicklaus as he approached his prime and gained dominance in the 1960s, which also means they missed out.

Nicklaus was a powerful force. Think Bryson DeChambeau invented to the power game? Sorry kid, think again. Nicklaus was the first to effectively use such brute force in a swing to rewrite the major championship record books.

So with Jack’s birthday in mind, we share some great old images of Nicklaus when he was at his strongest. Enjoy the old black-and-whites from the 1950s, '60s, '70s and '80s.

Jack Nicklaus, 1977

Jack Nicklaus, 1961

Jack Nicklaus, 1959

Jack Nicklaus, 1963

Jack Nicklaus, 1962

Jack Nicklaus, 1962

Jack Nicklaus, 1964

Jack Nicklaus, 1975

Jack Nicklaus, 1968

Jack Nicklaus, 1970

Jack Nicklaus, 1962

Jack Nicklaus, 1968

Jack Nicklaus, 1982

Jack Nicklaus, 1983

Jack Nicklaus, 1968