How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years

Published 02/05/2023, 10:30 AM EST
To be rich in golf, a player has to be good at the sport. And if you’re as great as Jack Nicklaus, you might as well be enjoying all the luxury in the world. One of the most common pricey assets owned by most golfers is a private jet. Nicklaus, like many others, too had a costly range of collection. With a net worth of $400 million, how many jets does the Golden Bear own or owned?
The legendary golfer had one of the most illustrious careers in the sport. Nicklaus is widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time and has total career earnings of $1.15 billion. Being the face of the PGA Tour during his playing days, it is quite apparent that the 18-time Major winner enjoyed the luxury.
With his exorbitant earnings, Nicklaus didn’t mind spending a little number of his income on private jets. Let’s take a look at what the airplane garage of the Hall of Famer looks like.
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The lavish jet collection of Jack Nicklaus
The legendary golfer’s urge to purchase a private jet began back in the early 60s after traveling with his fellow Hall of Famer Arnold Palmer’s 7-seater Aero Commander. In 1964, Palmer introduced Nicklaus to the people of the Aero Commander, helping the Golden Bear purchase his first private jet.
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 09: Honorary Starters Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus of the United States wait on the first tee during the first round of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
In later years, as the brand ‘Jack Nicklaus’ grew beyond the course of golf, the Golden Bear’s flight garage also kept upgrading. He later purchased much more comfortable flights such as Lear Jet, Cessnas, Sabreliners, and JetStars. Nonetheless, as the aviation industry began expanding its technology and comfort, Nicklaus kept up with it.
The 18-time Major winner went on a spending spree on different versions of Gulfstream, one of the most notable private jets manufacturer. Nicklaus claimed he purchased them to travel internationally. He first purchased a used GIIB Gulfstream, which is one of his most used aircraft. He then bought the next version GIII.
The Golden Bear further purchased $4,995,000 worth GIV and a GV, which is worth $13,500,000. He currently travels in a $33 million worth Gulfstream G IV-SP. With his Flight Garage, similar to his trophy cabinet getting more compact, does Nicklaus actually fly a plane?
Does Nicklaus’ have a pilot’s license?
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Though it may be easy for the golfer to purchase deeming his decent bank account, the 82-year-old has a special admiration for flying in the skies. After his first private jet purchase in 1964, Nicklaus used the plane to train himself to fly an airplane.
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – JULY 11: Jack Nicklaus of the United States reacts during the Celebration of Champions prior to The 150th Open at St Andrews Old Course on July 11, 2022 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Tom Shaw/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
He decided to obtain a pilot’s license in 1969. The 18-time Major winner mastered the written test but found out he was color-blind during his physical test. Following the revelation of his illness, Nicklaus decided to fly as a passenger rather than a pilot.
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Which among the Golden Bear’s private jet collections is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.
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