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Best Seat in the House: 18 Golden Lessons from a Father to His Son
USA Today Bestseller Now available in trade paper! Jack Nicklaus II, son of PGA Champion Jack Nicklaus, shares stories, insights, and lessons he has learned from his father, the Golden Bear, that will encourage fathers and inspire us to focus on what’s most important in family. Best Seat in the House , written with New York Times bestselling author Don Yaeger, gives us eighteen valuable lessons that Jack Nicklaus II learned from his father, PGA champion Jack Nicklaus. Widely regarded as the best golfer of all time with a record number of PGA major championships, the Golden Bear’s life and values show that true legacy lives on through our families. Jack II has always had a clear view of who his father is. “I had the best seat in the house, to watch this man, when away from the public’s eye, live out extraordinary lessons.” Best Seat in the House details what made Jack Nicklaus an off-course success A perfect gift for Father's Day and for the serious fans, the casual golfers, or even those new to golf, you can learn lessons from the Golden Bear in Best Seat in the House ...and can apply all eighteen of them even if you’re nowhere near a golf course.
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2021
59 people are currently reading
1865 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 2, 2025
Book is great for golf fans. The advice on parenting is fairly simple while the author provides example after example of Nicklaus embodying these principles. The writing isn’t complex, and the pacing can sometimes feel abrupt when the author switches between anecdotes. Overall, Best Seat in the House gives insight into the life of one of golf’s greatest performers and passes on the values he lived by that really set him apart from the rest.
January 7, 2022
Great advice for dads to pass on to their children.
June 30, 2021
Everyone read this book, especially fathers.
It is easy to say this is one of the best books I have ever read! Authenticity, sincerity, legacy, faith, family, integrity and a slue of other great themes checker and resound throughout this well thought out and skillfully written book. What stands out the most is that the Nicklaus name is all about excellent character. Thank you Jack Nicklaus ll for another major, albatross and Hole in One!
It is easy to say this is one of the best books I have ever read! Authenticity, sincerity, legacy, faith, family, integrity and a slue of other great themes checker and resound throughout this well thought out and skillfully written book. What stands out the most is that the Nicklaus name is all about excellent character. Thank you Jack Nicklaus ll for another major, albatross and Hole in One!
May 28, 2021
I enjoyed hearing more about Jack Sr through is something Jackie. Of all the golf greats, I’ve long admired the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus. I’ve learned more of why this is the case. He has values focused on family. He is involved in his kid’s lives. He loves his wife. They ate dinner together. He stayed committed to not being gone more than 2 weeks at a time. A challenging feat for a pro golfer. He was a man of faith.
I enjoyed hearing about the life lessons that are outlined in this book. I think, it’s so daunting at times to be a parent. I worry if I’m being a good enough example. Hearing from books like this remind me to be present, be loving, and be human - to simply do my best and try to improve as I go. To acknowledge my errors, and stay positive.
The story of the boxing gloves for Christmas and the extreme focus Jack showed while putting at Augusta and completely tuning out a car wreck just 30 yards away were memorable among many others.
I appreciate the good things that Nicklaus companies do.
Jack Nicklaus is the GOAT. Just sayin’!
I enjoyed hearing about the life lessons that are outlined in this book. I think, it’s so daunting at times to be a parent. I worry if I’m being a good enough example. Hearing from books like this remind me to be present, be loving, and be human - to simply do my best and try to improve as I go. To acknowledge my errors, and stay positive.
The story of the boxing gloves for Christmas and the extreme focus Jack showed while putting at Augusta and completely tuning out a car wreck just 30 yards away were memorable among many others.
I appreciate the good things that Nicklaus companies do.
Jack Nicklaus is the GOAT. Just sayin’!
June 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Jack 11 love, admiration, and respect for his father shines through every page; but so does how he has clearly learned those lessons.
It's an easy read, in part because you almost feel like you are just listening to him talk about his memories and relationship.
The last chapter, where his children briefly describe their relationship with him, is touching.
It's an easy read, in part because you almost feel like you are just listening to him talk about his memories and relationship.
The last chapter, where his children briefly describe their relationship with him, is touching.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
Jack Nicklaus, now 83 years old, is arguably the greatest golfer who has ever lived. Although Tiger Woods has nine more wins on the PGA tour, Nicklaus has three more major championships, which is how the greatest golfers are judged.
This book is written by Nicklaus’ oldest son Jack Nicklaus II, who writes that by watching the way his father has lived his life he has spent years in the greatest leadership-parenting-marriage classroom one could imagine. He tells us that he has had the best seat in the house to watch his father live out extraordinary lessons. He goes on to write that his father is simply the greatest man he has ever known, his role model and best friend. He writes that the world knows him as a great golfer and golf course designer, his father made being a parent one of the most important parts of his life.
In this book, the author, a father of five, shares stories about his father and explains how the stories led to lessons about fatherhood. With each story and the lesson learned from it, he also includes some discussion about how he, as a father, carried that lesson forward to his own children.
I enjoyed reading about Jack Nicklaus’ commitment to his family, including never spending more than two weeks on the road at a time. Nicklaus and his wife Barbara are involved in many charitable works, primarily through children’s hospitals.
This book is a quick and enjoyable read and will be enjoyed by fans of Jack Nicklaus as well as sons who look up to their fathers. Although both father and son are believers, faith is touched on only briefly in the book. It is more demonstrated in how they live out their lives.
Here are some helpful quotes from the book:
• If I could have a simple message to share with any parent, it would be to embrace every moment. Your kids really do grow up so fast.
• Attending your children’s events—baseball games, dance recitals, musical performances, or golf tournaments—serves as a reminder to your kids that nothing is more important to you than they are.
• He always makes a point to remind me and so many other people who look to him for advice that no matter how old you are, you need to act like a champion—and that often comes through in the way you carry yourself.
• Whether you win or lose, always accept the final outcome with dignity and respect for your opponent.
• If we truly want to love each other as we love ourselves, we need to start by seeing the best in other people.
• Building and protecting our names by doing the right thing takes time, but our reputations can be lost quickly.
• Focus on what we can actually control instead of worrying over things we can’t.
• Dad made being a husband the most important part of life.
• Dad wants to be remembered as someone who gave more than he received. That’s the epitome of what it means to build a legacy.
• Our children are our true legacies, and we should spend as much time as possible with them.
• Many people can put on a good show in public. But your core, who you truly are, is defined by what happens when nobody is watching.
• In life or business, Dad will never negotiate away his integrity. He has always believed a good deal is not one-sided. It must be good for both parties to be successful.
• If you tell a person you are going to do something, you must do all that you said—plus some.
This book is written by Nicklaus’ oldest son Jack Nicklaus II, who writes that by watching the way his father has lived his life he has spent years in the greatest leadership-parenting-marriage classroom one could imagine. He tells us that he has had the best seat in the house to watch his father live out extraordinary lessons. He goes on to write that his father is simply the greatest man he has ever known, his role model and best friend. He writes that the world knows him as a great golfer and golf course designer, his father made being a parent one of the most important parts of his life.
In this book, the author, a father of five, shares stories about his father and explains how the stories led to lessons about fatherhood. With each story and the lesson learned from it, he also includes some discussion about how he, as a father, carried that lesson forward to his own children.
I enjoyed reading about Jack Nicklaus’ commitment to his family, including never spending more than two weeks on the road at a time. Nicklaus and his wife Barbara are involved in many charitable works, primarily through children’s hospitals.
This book is a quick and enjoyable read and will be enjoyed by fans of Jack Nicklaus as well as sons who look up to their fathers. Although both father and son are believers, faith is touched on only briefly in the book. It is more demonstrated in how they live out their lives.
Here are some helpful quotes from the book:
• If I could have a simple message to share with any parent, it would be to embrace every moment. Your kids really do grow up so fast.
• Attending your children’s events—baseball games, dance recitals, musical performances, or golf tournaments—serves as a reminder to your kids that nothing is more important to you than they are.
• He always makes a point to remind me and so many other people who look to him for advice that no matter how old you are, you need to act like a champion—and that often comes through in the way you carry yourself.
• Whether you win or lose, always accept the final outcome with dignity and respect for your opponent.
• If we truly want to love each other as we love ourselves, we need to start by seeing the best in other people.
• Building and protecting our names by doing the right thing takes time, but our reputations can be lost quickly.
• Focus on what we can actually control instead of worrying over things we can’t.
• Dad made being a husband the most important part of life.
• Dad wants to be remembered as someone who gave more than he received. That’s the epitome of what it means to build a legacy.
• Our children are our true legacies, and we should spend as much time as possible with them.
• Many people can put on a good show in public. But your core, who you truly are, is defined by what happens when nobody is watching.
• In life or business, Dad will never negotiate away his integrity. He has always believed a good deal is not one-sided. It must be good for both parties to be successful.
• If you tell a person you are going to do something, you must do all that you said—plus some.
September 26, 2023
"Best Seat in the House" is an outstanding book on so many levels. It truly models through its descriptions of Jack Nicklaus II life growing up and through his own adulthood what it means to be not only a responsible and good son to a great man, but also a good father himself to his own children.
Many times, over, Mr. Nicklaus states that what his father, the best golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus, learned from his father, Grandpa Charlie, Jack Nicklaus instilled in his own five children, who in turn raised their children in the same way. It's a virtuous cycle. The proof is in the numbers! Jack Nicklaus had five children, and his kids have given him 22 grandchildren, so far.
The most important thing to always remember is that the enemy works the same way: to try to cycle abuse down through the generations as well. I think of the passage that included Bill Clinton needing advice about whether or not to attend a fundraiser's dinner or his own daughter Chelsea's horseback riding wish. The President of the United States was so ate up he didn't know the right answer and had to ask Jack Nicklaus for a commonsense response.
My thoughts turn to golf to close: I watched a Jack Nicklaus tournament on TV and saw John Rahm win, and then shake Jack Nicklaus's hand and then, with almost breathtaking rudeness, walk right past Jack Nicklaus.
That demonstrates that John Rahm is unfit to be a champion of any sport, let alone golf. If that had been me, I would have fallen to my knees in front of Jack Nicklaus and embraced his ankles, prostrate on the ground, probably balling crying because of how unworthy I felt to be there in front of him at that moment.
I looked up "Spain" in my negotiating handbook, which is where Rahm is from, and know from the tournament that he speaks perfect American English, and there is no indication for him to be that clueless in the moment, which of course is another way that Jack Nicklaus distinguished himself time and again on the course. I just think of the "Concession" as one of many examples.
The most important thing about "Best Seat in the House" is that it describes what having a good father is like for all of those of us out here who were so lacking in good fathers, but also good mothers, too, and stable and solid marriages: Jack Nicklaus II's parents have been married 63 years this year!
It is these kinds of relationships that our Nation needs to have to move forward; as a Nation we win only household by household.
Many times, over, Mr. Nicklaus states that what his father, the best golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus, learned from his father, Grandpa Charlie, Jack Nicklaus instilled in his own five children, who in turn raised their children in the same way. It's a virtuous cycle. The proof is in the numbers! Jack Nicklaus had five children, and his kids have given him 22 grandchildren, so far.
The most important thing to always remember is that the enemy works the same way: to try to cycle abuse down through the generations as well. I think of the passage that included Bill Clinton needing advice about whether or not to attend a fundraiser's dinner or his own daughter Chelsea's horseback riding wish. The President of the United States was so ate up he didn't know the right answer and had to ask Jack Nicklaus for a commonsense response.
My thoughts turn to golf to close: I watched a Jack Nicklaus tournament on TV and saw John Rahm win, and then shake Jack Nicklaus's hand and then, with almost breathtaking rudeness, walk right past Jack Nicklaus.
That demonstrates that John Rahm is unfit to be a champion of any sport, let alone golf. If that had been me, I would have fallen to my knees in front of Jack Nicklaus and embraced his ankles, prostrate on the ground, probably balling crying because of how unworthy I felt to be there in front of him at that moment.
I looked up "Spain" in my negotiating handbook, which is where Rahm is from, and know from the tournament that he speaks perfect American English, and there is no indication for him to be that clueless in the moment, which of course is another way that Jack Nicklaus distinguished himself time and again on the course. I just think of the "Concession" as one of many examples.
The most important thing about "Best Seat in the House" is that it describes what having a good father is like for all of those of us out here who were so lacking in good fathers, but also good mothers, too, and stable and solid marriages: Jack Nicklaus II's parents have been married 63 years this year!
It is these kinds of relationships that our Nation needs to have to move forward; as a Nation we win only household by household.
July 3, 2021
Seeing Jack Nicklaus as a golfer, a consistent and classy winner, on television is one thing. Reading about all of his accomplishments, his family values, and his regard for others is another. This memoir-narrative, a gift from my two sons on this past Father's Day, highlights and details eighteen lessons that son Jack, Jr. learned from his famous father throughout his (Jack Jr.'s) life. Half-kiddingly, I asked my sons why the heck they didn't give it to me thirty-one years ago! All in all, the book reminded me how and what fathers should present to their children, the intangibles children should learn and find consistent in their parents.
A pleasant read, an easy-to-read tome, and a thoughtful series of lessons. Too bad parents who should read this book-and learn from it-might never have that "golden" opportunity.
A pleasant read, an easy-to-read tome, and a thoughtful series of lessons. Too bad parents who should read this book-and learn from it-might never have that "golden" opportunity.
July 10, 2021
This book is written by the oldest son of Jack Nicklaus. It is not exactly a tribute to his father as a champion golfer but more as a series of lessons that have been learned through years about how to be a role model to your family and others. In eighteen chapters, not a coincidence, the author touches on the lessons learned from his father about putting family first, about treating each of his children as individuals and how to be outstanding in business dealings, among other topics. If you are looking to learn how to improve your golf game you won’t necessarily find it in this book but if you want to improve your relationships with those around you, this book could be just what you need. You will also learn some things about the Nicklaus family that you have never heard before.
August 24, 2022
Jack Nicklaus’ professional golf career was 5 decades long. He won 120 tournaments with 73 PGA tour victories and holds the record for 18 major championships. But Jack II realized that his father was much more than golf. He devoted himself to his family more than golf.
Golf was how he supported his family. He and his wife were a team to teach his children. Their concept was 95% to 5% and neither worried how much each person has done. Listen and be present for each child. That was how he built his legacy every day.
Golf was how he supported his family. He and his wife were a team to teach his children. Their concept was 95% to 5% and neither worried how much each person has done. Listen and be present for each child. That was how he built his legacy every day.
June 23, 2023
One of the best books that I have read in quite awhile. The book would be great for first time fathers or any fathers for that matter. What do we love about the Golden Bear? He is a father; he puts his wife first in his life; his family is definitely important even though he is a competitor and extremely busy and he makes times to help and support others among many other things in his life. I loved this book and will forward the book on to my nephew who will be a first time father. Well worth the read. There are good people in this world.
September 1, 2021
This was a solid book for anyone who follows golf and appreciates Jack Nicklaus. Written by his son, the book is at its best when sharing interesting, behind the scenes stories about Jack. It’s attempts at teaching life lessons or self-improvement are a little cliche and don’t always land (and I found myself just powering through those sections to get to the next story about Jack). But overall an easy and enjoyable read.
May 17, 2021
Best Seat in the House is stories told by golfer great Jack Nicklaus’s son Jack NIcklaus II (Jackie). He talks about lessons he learned from his father. I enjoyed the stories and the lessons that came with them. Great book for anyone that enjoys golf. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson-W Publishing.
May 23, 2021
I found this to be a pleasant, actually delightful read. Loved reading the anecdotal stories of growing up with Jack Nicklaus as your father. Plenty of behind the scene and background content that illustrate the "Golden Lessons". Even tho' I'm not a golfer nor do I follow it much, this was a welcome, interesting read.
January 12, 2023
Easy, solid read. I more enjoyed it from a biographical standpoint than I did a “self-help” perspective. The writing also reads at more of 4th grade level than many other well-known biographies, which I felt took away from the quality. Overall, I learned a few things, reflected a bit on my own life, and am now more excited to play golf this summer than I was before.
June 6, 2021
Enjoyed reading this book from Jack Nicklaus's son. An entertaining and insightful look at the golfer behind the scenes. Great family photos included. I watched Nicklaus play for many years and this read was a treat. Thank you to W Publishing and Goodreads for the Giveaway copy.
July 8, 2021
An example for us all.
Jack Nicklaus is my favorite all time golfer. When I heard his son wrote this book as a tribute to his dad and wanted to share the life lessons he learned from the GOAT, it became a MUST Read. It didn't disappoint. An enjoyable read. Fast and easy.
Jack Nicklaus is my favorite all time golfer. When I heard his son wrote this book as a tribute to his dad and wanted to share the life lessons he learned from the GOAT, it became a MUST Read. It didn't disappoint. An enjoyable read. Fast and easy.
February 4, 2022
Not my favorite. I liked it and it was well intentioned but not overly captivating. Good lessons but also the author brags about his accomplishments even though one of the lessons is about being charitable without talking about it.
August 7, 2022
Huge Jack Nicklaus fan. I might have started the book, then, with expectations that were not realistic. That said, the book didn't measure up to my expectations. While filled with positive and true messages across the 18 holes, it was really, just ok.
April 12, 2023
As a young dad I appreciate the lessons in this book. I’m thankful to have had a dad who taught me many great lessons of life and prioritized family time over his career. I admire Jack Nicklaus so much more after reading about the man he is. Great book.
August 30, 2023
Great book if you love, Golf, Jack, Nicklaus, and a man who lives his life with his priorities, correct as God, family, work.
Great examples of work life, balance, and putting family and a proper priority. Truly inspiring some great takeaways.
Great examples of work life, balance, and putting family and a proper priority. Truly inspiring some great takeaways.
July 24, 2024
I listened to this book. It is relatively short, and interesting if you love golf. Jack Nicklaus is a legend but also a good and caring father and individual. His son has written a good book and certainly appreciates all his father has done for not only family but for so many others
August 2, 2024
fine read
Really a fine read. If you are interested in Jack Nicklaus at all, or not, this is a lot of good insightful things about him. Made me like him a ton more than I did to be honest.
Really a fine read. If you are interested in Jack Nicklaus at all, or not, this is a lot of good insightful things about him. Made me like him a ton more than I did to be honest.
May 3, 2021
Featuring the greatest father-to-son book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2021
Nice tribute to Jack Nicklaus by his son for the elder Nicklaus’ legacy as a father as sleeps as a golfer. Full review to come
September 2, 2021
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
September 3, 2021
These 18 “Golden Lessons” aren’t exactly rocket science
September 16, 2021
*Read as audiobook. Nice quick read. Interesting to hear more about Jack Nicklaus and him as not inky a golfer but a man.
October 21, 2021
So glad I read this. Such great thoughts and life lessons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews