Golf Channel to celebrate Jack Nicklaus’ 70th birthday on Thursday

The “Golden Bear” turns 70 on Thursday, and Golf Channel will celebrate the occasion with special Jack Nicklaus programming and features online at GolfChannel.com.

In honoring Nicklaus’ 70th birthday, GolfChannel.com’s team of writers and researchers developed a special tribute to Nicklaus titled, “You Don’t Know Jack: 70 Facts About Nicklaus.” Featured are little-known factoids about Nicklaus, including him passing out following the birth of  four of  his five children; being diagnosed with polio at age 13; co-authoring 15 books, and being one of the select few, nonband members to dot the “I” during halftime at an Ohio State college football game, his alma mater.

Special programming will air throughout the day. At 1 p.m. host Lauren Thompson will count down the top-10 Nicklaus highlights. The show will feature interviews with Arnold Palmer, Tony Jacklin, historian Martin Davis, Nicklaus’ son Jackie and Nicklaus. It will reair at 5:30 p.m.

“Planet Jack,” 6 p.m., is a two-part, Golf Channel special taking viewers on the ultimate road trip – a 12-day, eight-country, 25,000-mile journey with Nicklaus, offering an intimate look into his business life and showing how he is giving back to the game he loves.

“Golf Central,” 5 p.m., will provide extensive features on Nicklaus’ career, including a sit-down interview with Golf Channel Insider Tim Rosaforte and Rich Lerner.

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