A St Andrews double

January 21 marks the birthday of a true Open great, three-time Champion Golfer Jack Nicklaus.

The Golden Bear first lifted the Claret Jug at Muirfield in 1966, but he is most closely associated with St Andrews, the venue for his second and third triumphs in 1970 and 1978.

Ahead of the Championship’s return to the Old Course for The 150th Open, take a trip down memory lane by watching the Official Films that chronicled Nicklaus’ successes at the Home of Golf.

1970 - Nicklaus v Sanders

The Open of 1970 delivered two unforgettable moments on the 18th green.

Doug Sanders famously missed a short putt for victory in Saturday's final round, meaning a play-off with Nicklaus was required the following day.

When the pair reached the closing hole again on Sunday, Nicklaus produced a putt and celebration that has gone down in Open folklore.

1978 – Upset averted as Nicklaus denies Owen

In the seven Opens that followed his success in 1970, Nicklaus never finished lower than fifth and was the runner-up on three occasions.

He returned to St Andrews in 1978 more determined than ever to regain the Claret Jug, having been edged out in spectacular fashion by Tom Watson 12 months earlier in the unforgettable Duel in the Sun.

With three holes of The 107th Open to go, it appeared Nicklaus would perhaps suffer another near miss as he trailed his unheralded playing partner, New Zealand’s Simon Owen, by one.

However, while Owen understandably faltered down the stretch, Nicklaus hit his stride at just the right time to join an elite club of two-time winners at St Andrews.

Members of The One Club can watch the two films above, along with every other Open Official Film since 1970, on our video page.

If you are not already a member of The One Club, you can join for free here.