First of three for Nicklaus

In the final of the 1966 Championship, three players are in contention for the title towards the end of the Championship; Dave Thomas, Doug Sanders and Jack Nicklaus. Dave Thomas is the first to tackle the 17th hole, a long par five. Thomas and Sanders both take pars at the 17th, so Nicklaus requires two fours to win.

Nicklaus scores a birdie four and par four at the last two holes to finish one stroke ahead and win his first victory. It is the first of three Open wins for Nicklaus. He has also been runner-up seven times.

During his career, Nicklaus has achieved an outstanding four US Open, five USPGA and six Masters successes. He set new standards of play for the game and has won a record eighteen professional major titles.

He became an honorary member of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club in 1990.