"OHIO FATS" (AKA: Mr. Nicklaus)

latest limited edition print, "OHIO FATS" -visit SASgolf.com

Back in the early 1960's, when a young Jack Nicklaus began his professional golf career (and began winning tournaments over established stars such as Arnold Palmer) hecklers in the tournament galleries shouted derogatory names at at Jack, such as "Fat Jack" and "Ohio Fats" -including cheering whenever he missed putts, all in an attempt to get under the young player's skin. Little good it did to derail him, because not only did Nicklaus apparently have very thick skin, but he also possessed a superior game that produced winning scores over the next 25 years which earned him a record 18 major championship victories and the title of being the best player on the planet to ever have played the game of golf.

And his record may very well stand forever, if Tiger Woods who currently has 14 major victories (and is the only active player remotely close) cannot at least tie the record. My feeling is that if Tiger does not tie or surpass the 18 majors mark within his career, that no one in the future will either. There is such a growing depth of superb top professional players around the world now, that for any one player to amass more than 18 major championship victories will be virtually impossible. There may be a cluster of current and future superstar players who may all attain 4, or 6, or 8 major wins, and maybe a couple astounding superstars will reach 10 major victories... but to surpass Sir Jack's golden number 18 will probably never happen. That is, of course, unless the "man in red" can indeed fabricate a Second Act which produces 4 more (or 5 more!) major championship victories. And if you read my previous post (about my golf art print entitled, "14 red shirts") then you know I think Tiger can indeed match or surpass it.

(posted above) My new golf art print now available entitled, "OHIO FATS" depicts a young, stocky Jack Nicklaus in the early 1960's at the top of his powerful back swing. Above his head is the phrase "OHIO FATS" ...but the insult has no effect on the player who has a protective halo of cool blue color around him, representing the strength of his concentration and single-minded focus to play the course. Floating out in front of the player is the burning red number "18."  The original art was created with pencil, gouache, oil crayon and pastel.

Visit SASgolf.com to see this new limited edition print created by golf artist Steven Anthony Salerno, located in the exclusive edition gallery.