Nicklaus Charges into Century Club

Jack Nicklaus was already one for the ages.

So his victory on Sunday in The Tradition--enough to start a legend for many--would have taken its place on the shelf of other storied triumphs except that it was Nicklaus’ 100th pro victory.

The total includes foreign tournaments, and Nicklaus said he wasn’t as sure about it as Larry O’Brien, his administrative assistant.

“Let’s call it 100,” said Nicklaus, who won his fourth Tradition title, becoming the first to win a Senior PGA tournament four times. “After I won [Feb. 18] in Tampa, I went to see Larry O’Brien, and he said, ‘Jack, your next win will be your 100th.’ And I said, ‘Great. Now I have a monkey on my back.’ ”

Nicklaus has won 70 titles on the regular tour, 10 as a senior, and 20 others around the world. He was the defending champion in the 8-year-old tournament. He also won on his first attempt, in 1990, and in 1991.

He vaulted past Hale Irwin with a three-shot swing on the 12th hole and stayed ahead, finishing with a 15-foot birdie putt on the last hole to put the finishing touch on a second consecutive round of 65 for a 16-under 272.

Irwin began the round at 10-under, one shot ahead of Nicklaus and two up on Raymond Floyd, and reached 15-under by No. 10. But he couldn’t overcome three consecutive bogeys on Nos. 11-13 and shot 69 for 275.

“I felt it was my opportunity to prolong the legacy of Jack Nicklaus,” Irwin said. “He did play well. He saved a lot of little shots, and my hat is off to him. I think those of us who buried him two or three years ago had better put the shovels back in the garage.”

Nicklaus won $150,000, raising his 1996 earnings to $299,000 in three tournaments.