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US Open 2012: USGA Announces Open Medal Named After Jack Nickalus

On Wednesday, the USGA announced that for the first time since the inception of the U.S. Open in 1895, the medallion presented to the winner of the tournament was going to be given a name. The association made a wise choice in dubbing the award the "Jack Nickalus Medal."

Via SB Nation's Emily Kay:

"For more than six decades Jack Nicklaus has been one of golf's greatest ambassadors, embodying golf's timeless values and acting as a role model for generations of golfers and fans," USGA president Glen Nager said during a ceremony celebrating Nicklaus‘ first U.S. Open victory, a 1962 playoff victory over Arnold Palmer. "He's the quintessential U.S. Open champion."

In addition, the USGA announced that a "Jack Nickalus Room" was going to be added to the USGA muesum, a distinction that has been given to golf legends such as Arnold Palmer, Bobby Jones and Mickey Wright. Once the room is complete it will house artifacts from Nickalus' esteemed career.

"Kind of neat, isn't it?" Nicklaus responded to the hoopla surrounding his legendary accomplishments. "Take an old guy and honor him. I think that's pretty nice."

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Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.