Following in the big footsteps of his father, Denver mayor Will Nicholson, Sr., Will Nicholson Jr. has been one of the strongest figures in golf nationally and locally.
The longtime Denver Country Club member served on the Colorado Golf Association’s Board of Governors since 1973 and has been an influential figure in most national tournaments held in the area, as well as being a major factor in helping shape The International at Castle Pines.
His impact nationally, however, is even more indelible. He served as president of the United States Golf Association in 1980 and 1981 after two years as vice-president; was a member of the USGA Executive Committee 1974-1982; general chairman of the 1982 Curtis Cup Matches at Denver Country Club; member of the Captains Club for Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament since 1987; captain of the 1984 U.S. World Amateur Golf Team; member of the Masters Rules Committee 1974-2007 (chairman 1989-2006); chairman of the Masters Competitions Committee 1992-2006; and a member of the Rules Committees of all the major championships, The Players and Presidents Cup.
Nicholson was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 87.
1979 Golf Person of the Year
After serving two years as vice-president of the United States Golf Association, the 1981 Hall of Fame inductee became the first Coloradan since 1916 to serve as the organization’s president.
