Gotta-Grip Golf Blog

Kenny Perry became one of only two to win Jack Nicklaus’s Memorial Golf Tournament three times this past weekend. It is safe to say that the first two tournaments were not coincidence, and he joins Tiger Woods (who won three years in a row), in displaying three coveted trophies from this prestigious event found by Jack Nicklaus. Perry also won in 1991, and 2003.

Back in 1976, Jack’s idea of an “Augusta style” event took shape after years in the making. With but three goals in mind, began the annual event at Muirfield Village Golf Club. The first goal was to have an event that would attract the best players in the world (only 75 of the previous year’s earners are invited); next was to host in his hometown area where his love of the game learned at a young age would be well represented. Third, to use a portion of the proceeds to benefit worthy charities.

Currently, the main beneficiary of The Memorial is the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, having received millions in donations from the tournament founded by Nicklaus on the course he co-designed. This was, incidentally, the first golf course built for both player and spectator alike with its “amphitheater” viewing. What Jack developed, along with land planner Desmond Muirhead, was nothing less than a spectacular golf setting in Dublin OH, dubbed #17 on the top-100 courses in America by Golf Digest.

Kenny Perry may have not only solidified his chance to get on the Ryder Cup team by repeating what was his first win on the PGA Tour, but also has to some degree followed in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus by finding ways to give back, and promote the sport of golf.

While their approaches differed slightly Kenny Perry also built a golf course, (Country Creek), in 1995. Country Creek caters to the average, to high handicapper. Green’s fees are daily fee, in the $30 range; however, both his, and Jack Nicklaus’s intent are in lock step, i.e., giving something back to the community, and giving something back to the game of golf they both took up as young boys.

PGA Tour win number eleven must have indeed been as sweet as "number one" for Kenny Perry, but just with another ONE on the end.

Congratulations!


From Gotta-Grip