Own your own vintage Jack Nicklaus

By Janice Ferguson
GPA Writer

1972 US Open. Image courtesy of Nicklaus Companies.

The Jack Nicklaus Sportswear fall Heritage collection launched at the PGA Merchandise Show to honor the company's namesake who turned 70 on Jan. 21.

Show attendees passing by the display were overheard saying "I remember Nicklaus wearing that yellow cardigan sweater," and "I got a shirt with the golden bear logo off of eBay."

Well, vintage seekers, come this fall there won't be a need to engage in any bidding wars to own a slice of nostalgic golf apparel inspired by the golden blonde's iconic style during the 1960s, '70s and '80s.

The Heritage collection reflects pieces Nicklaus actually wore during that era, and features the trim sport fit that made his panache on the course as recognizable as his golf swing and professional swagger.

The collection's knit styles made from cotton micropoly performance fabrics include a solid polo with a longer, four-button placket in several colors, and a three-color stripe with flap pockets. There is also a yellow polo with blue stripes and another in a blue/green multi-strip with contrast placket. All of the knit polos feature tailored collars and the trimmer sport fit.

The 100 percent pima cotton sweaters comprise both solid and argyle v-necks, a retro mock neck, a v-neck cardigan and a pieced "v" pattern v-neck that really showcases the look Nicklaus made popular.

Heritage pants - a patterned style 100 percent cotton and stretch twill in 98 percent cotton/two percent spandex - have a tailored fit and feature micro-checks, pinstripes and a bold green plaid. They also have an unfinished hem so you can even emulate the shorter trouser style worn back in the day - think Richie Cunningham's floodwater length pants on the television show "Happy Days," and don't forget the white socks.

Further tribute is paid to Nicklaus by including the Golden Bear logo patch embroidered on all of the pieces in the Heritage group, making them instant collector's items.

Suggested retail prices for the polos are $75-$84, sweaters are $95-$125 and pants will be $98.

First delivery for fall season is July 1.

For information on the line, visit JackNicklausSportswear.com; for information on the Golden Bear's career, visit Nicklaus.com.