Jack Nicklaus

Bruce Waxman, the back specialist who examined Jack Nicklaus in West Palm Beach, Fla., said Tuesday that the 48-year-old golfer has a disk problem that may require surgery. Waxman said the strain caused by the constant lower back stress of a golf swing has created a degenerative problem. Nicklaus, who has 20 victories in golf's major tournaments, said he will consult further with specialists and decide whether surgery is necessary before deciding what his playing schedule will be.

1895 Horace Rawlins 1896 James Foulis 1897 Joe Lloyd 1898 Fred Herd 1899 Willie Smith 1900 Harry Vardon 1901 Willie Anderson 1902 Laurie Auchterlonie 1903 Willie Anderson 1904 Willie Anderson 1905 Willie Anderson 1906 Alex Smith 1907 Alex Ross 1908 Fred McLeod 1909 George Sargent 1910 Alex Smith 1911 John McDermott 1912 John McDermott 1913 Francis Ouimet 1914 Walter Hagen 1915 Jerome Travers 1916 Charles Evans Jr. 1917-18 World War I 1919 Walter Hagen 1920 Edward Ray 1921 James M.

Jack Nicklaus, who has won the Masters a record six times, has been invited to become a member at Augusta National Golf Club. Nicklaus, 61, would join Arnold Palmer as the only professional players to be included on the regular membership roll of golf's most exclusive club. Nicklaus won the Masters in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975 and 1986, when he was 46.

After playing 19 events around the world this year, Jack Nicklaus said he will curtail his competitive schedule in 1991 in order to concentrate on course design work and other golf-related ventures. Nicklaus, who turns 51 in January, said he might slightly increase his senior tour schedule, but he would cut back on regular tour and international events.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews has made Jack Nicklaus an honorary member, the club announced today. Nicklaus, 50, will join a group of seven other honorary members of the home of golf including fellow Americans Arnold Palmer and Gene Sarazen. St. Andrews said in a statement that honorary membership was only ever offered to "princes of the blood royal and distinguished persons who in the opinion of the committee have made a significant contribution to the game of golf."

Jack Nicklaus, winner of 18 professional major golf championships including six Masters, Monday night was named Player of the Century at a dinner celebrating the sport's first 100 years in the United States. Besides winning 71 pro titles--second only to Sam Snead's 84--Nicklaus has finished second 58 times. Two years ago, at age 46, he became the oldest player to win the Masters when he shot 7-under par over the final 10 holes.