Jack Nicklaus Epitomizes What the Challenge is About

Posted on 27th November, 2009

The incomparable Jack Nicklaus continues to illustrate his support for the armed forces by topping a significant donation with a personal appearance at an exclusive special event at BIGHORN Golf Club to help raise funds for American Lake Veterans Golf Course. ALVGC is the nation's only course designed specifically for the rehabilitation of wounded and disabled veterans.

"I was moved to see the amazing efforts at American Lake Veterans Golf Course where our wounded warriors learn to play golf with the help of an incredible army of volunteers." Nicklaus said in announcing a donation of design services by Nicklaus Design for an additional nine holes of golf at American Lake.

Watch Jack Nicklaus on patriotism >>

At an invitation-only reception on Nov. 16, BIGHORN members joined Nicklaus "for a few hours of golf and good deeds," when he and others presented "A Course in Courage: Healing America's Veterans through Golf."

On Nov. 17, Nicklaus, who was named Individual Male Athlete of the 20th Century by Sports Illustrated and was hailed as "Golfer of the Century" or "Golfer of the Millennium" by almost every major golf publication in the world, will lead a clinic for invited guests.

Disabled veterans from the American Lake Golf Course were special participants with The Golden Bear, whose charitable activities are as acclaimed as his achievements as a golfer and golf-course designer. His philanthropy is among the reasons he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005, the highest honor given any U.S. civilian.

The BIGHORN course, located in Lakewood, Wash., south of Seattle/Tacoma and within close proximity to military bases and military hospitals and clinics, served over 25,000 veterans and their families in 2008.

Each hole on the course is named after a military service medal, with patron opportunities available for each hole, tee and green. Like the original nine, the holes will be accessible for mobility-impaired golfers who use special golf carts to navigate the course.

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Nicklaus last made an appearance at BIGHORN in 2002 for the Battle at BIGHORN 2002 when he and playing partner Tiger Woods beat Sergio Garcia and Lee Trevino in a best ball, made-for-primetime event.