The Bogeyman

You want credibility - try Jack Nicklaus.

The Bogeyman - Dan O'Neill

(Editor’s note: This story appears courtesy of Morning Read (www. morningread.com)

You want credibility - try Jack Nicklaus.

You have a dream to rejuvenate a historic golf course, a plan to breath new life into a neighborhood and community, a mission to generate positive change and impact young lives - try Jack Nicklaus.

Perhaps the recent announcement that Nicklaus Design will take the lead in the philanthropic effort to restore Normandie Golf Course isn’t quite as exciting as hearing Santa Claus on the rooftop on Christmas eve, but it’s in the ballpark.

When you throw around the “Nicklaus Design” label, it’s impressive enough. But when he himself is putting his own boots on the ground, and putting his own signature on the sign, it’s even more stimulating.

Unless you were just born yesterday - on Mars - you know that Jack Nicklaus won two U.S. Amateurs, six Masters and 18 major championships. And you know he had a hand in designing many spectacular golf courses. Nicklaus has been involved, in one way or another, in the architecture of more than 425 courses in 45 countries, or roughly 1 percent of all the playing fields on the planet.

At this point in his illustrious and accomplished career, Nicklaus spends most of his time giving back to a game he loves, a game that has enriched his life, a game he hopes can enrich other lives.

He did so in collaborating with Maj. Dan Rooney and Folds of Honor to create American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, MI, waiving his $3 million fee and paying tribute to members of the U.S. military. “I love the game, but I love my country even more, Nicklaus said at the time of the announced project. The golf course on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan is set to open in early May this year. Sneak peaks have been universally flattering.

Now, Nicklaus will bring the same spirit of respect and renewal to St. Louis and the Normandy neighborhood. Again, he is donating his services. His expertise will be critical, and putting his “Jack Nicklaus Signature” on one of the oldest facilities west of the Mississippi will be invaluable.

Nicklaus believes in this country, believes in its fiber and believes in restoring its roots. “The appeal of this project to me was to be involved in an effort that could serve as a catalyst to change needed in our country today, beginning with parts of St. Louis County,” Nicklaus said in a press release. “Restoring Normandie for a community in need will have a long-lasting positive impact on the lives of youth in St. Louis.”

If this ambitious project is to succeed, if it is to truly re-invigorate a community resource and spark socio-economic growth, it needed some pop. The collaboration of MAGA and the Beyond Housing organization was a solid lineup to start, but Nicklaus can be a difference-maker. The name carries that kind of clout, and the enthusiasm it generates carries that kind of momentum.

Normandie was built in 1901, designed by Robert Foulis, a disciple of Old Tom Morris. People like Bob Hope, Babe Ruth, Babe Zaharias and Stan Musial have played golf there, so have countless St. Louisans.

Nicklaus believes in this country, believes in its fiber and believes in restoring its roots. “The appeal of this project to me was to be involved in an effort that could serve as a catalyst to change needed in our country today, beginning with parts of St. Louis County,” Nicklaus said in a press release. “Restoring Normandie for a community in need will have a long-lasting positive impact on the lives

If this ambitious project is to succeed, if it is to truly re-invigorate a community resource and spark socio-economic growth, it needed some pop. The collaboration of MAGA and the Beyond Housing organization was a solid lineup to start, but Nicklaus can be a difference-maker. The name carries that kind of clout, and the enthusiasm it generates carries

Normandie was built in 1901, designed by Robert Foulis, a disciple of Old Tom Morris. People like Bob Hope, Babe Ruth, Babe Zaharias and Stan Musial have played golf there, so have countless St. Louisans. Like the golf course, the neighborhood that surrounds it is filled with character and history. It used to be among the finest neighborhoods in the town.

Nicklaus not only will fix the fairways, he will support the effort to raise funds for the project and purchase the property from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Make no mistake, the goal is imposing, complex and formidable. It is fraught with issues and difficulties.

Nicklaus makes it possible, even believable.

The “Golden Bear” is all in. And the upshot promises to leave St. Louis with a restored gem of a golf course and the hope that a corner can be turned, that a recreational asset can inspire a community revival.

You want credibility? You got it - Jack Nicklaus.