WATCH: Jack Nicklaus recalls 1962 U.S. Open win against Arnold Palmer
Jack Nicklaus spoke during the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club and reflects on his victory back in 1962 over Arnold Palmer
- Veilleux’s career has been significantly shaped by his mentorship under Jack and Barbara Nicklaus.
Eric Veilleux knows the game of golf is changing faster than Bryson DeChambeau’s downswing. This point was hammered home last month when Veilleux officially became the 24th president of the South Florida PGA during its annual meeting.
Not only was it the South Florida PGA’s first in-person annual meeting since before the 2020 pandemic, it was held at the tech-infused SoFi Center – home of TGL – a sign of golf’s ever-evolving times.
“The game has changed,” said Veilleux, the Director of Golf at Jack Nicklaus’ The Bear’s Club in Jupiter. “We’re looking for a balance between ‘traditional golf’ and ‘modern golf’ that’s not necessarily played on golf courses.
“Places like SoFi, PopStroke and Drive Shack serve a great purpose that engage a lot of younger folks and bring not necessarily core golfers to the game. There’s room for both in the game. The balance is not losing sight of the traditions of the game.”
Having helped run The Bear’s Club since it opened in 1999 and previously caddied for Nicklaus for five years on the PGA Tour Champions, it’s easy to see why Veilleux treasures the history of the game: His boss is a walking part of golf history, having won the most majors (18) and designed more than 400 courses.
There are worse mentors to have in golf than the Golden Bear (and Jack’s wife, Barbara.) Their paths have been crossing for more than three decades, starting when Veilleux was hired as a PGA Assistant Professional at Nicklaus’ home course, Lost Tree Club, by former head pro Larry Dornisch.
Jack thought so highly of Veilleux, he asked him to caddie for him during his final five years on the 50-and-older tour as well as other PGA Tour events. It wasn’t an every-week job, but Veilleux learned something every time they worked together.
“The biggest thing was Jack’s preparation,” Veilleux said. “It didn’t matter if it was a major or a regular event, Jack was always prepared to play. He was so professional at everything he did. He still is.”
Once Nicklaus went into semi-retirement, Veilleux started working at Castle Pines Golf Club near Denver, then at Nicklaus’ Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. He moved back to Florida and worked at Hammock Creek in Palm City – Jack and his son Jack II co-designed the course – before Veilleux was hired at The Bear’s Club two months before it opened.
“Eric is the consummate pro,” Nicklaus said. “He’s been a friend for a long time and has done a great job for a long time at The Bear’s Club. He’s a good player, so he brings that perspective to his position. He handles his job beautifully, and everybody at The Bear’s Club loves him. We feel very fortunate and lucky to have him.
“Wherever he has worked, Eric has always done what is in the best interest of the club and its members, and I think he will take that philosophy to his role as President of the South Florida PGA. Eric will do things the right way and what is in the best interest of the section and for the game of golf.”
Lost Tree head professional Brian Peaper recommended Veilleux
It was no coincidence Veilleux was recommended to run for office in the South Florida PGA by Lost Tree’s current PGA Head Professional, Brian Peaper, a former South Florida PGA president. It’s a six-year commitment – you serve two-year terms each as secretary, vice president and president – but Peaper knew Veilleux was the right person for the job.
“Eric is very knowledgeable and incredibly sharp,” Peaper said. “It’s not easy serving in a leadership role in the South Florida PGA because there’s a lot of travel and time commitments. But I knew Eric was perfect for the job.”
The South Florida PGA is the second-largest of the PGA of America’s 43 sections, filled with high-end private clubs where most of the world’s top golfers hone their skills. It’s also big business with seven-figure food-and beverage operations, six-figure membership fees and ever-increasing amenities such as marinas, pools and pickleball and tennis courts.
But golf always will remain the focal point at the private clubs and public courses that dot the South Florida landscape. To that end, Veilleux wants to make sure the PGA Professionals receive their due.
“The PGA Professional is the heartbeat of the club,” he said. “I would want all the clubs in this section to value that role. GMs have their role, too, but the PGA Professional is on the range teaching, playing with members. They add a lot of value and enjoyment to the club.”
Veilleux said he’s not looking to make major changes with the South Florida PGA, but continue the path of his predecessors.
“The guys before me have formed a great section,” he said. “And Geoff Lofstead and Meredith Schuler do a great job of running it.”
Growing up in Maine, Veilleux, 57, never imagined working alongside the Golden Bear at a club where a dozen members have won major championships. Veilleux thought being able to caddie for Nicklaus would be the highlight of his career, but he’s been proven wrong the last quarter century.
“Where I came from, Jack was a guy you thought you’d never meet; he was someone you just thought you would watch on TV,” Veilleux said. “Being around him, you have to pinch yourself, right? It never gets old.
“Let’s be honest, Jack and Barbara have changed my life. To have the opportunities I’ve had, it’s because of them. I don’t take that for granted.”
Next in line for the South Florida PGA: Jeff Waber, the director of golf at Broken Sound Club – where the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational is held – is vice president; and Ben Bauer, the PGA Director of Golf at Hunter Run Golf & Racquet Club, is secretary.
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