The Columbus native played college golf for the Buckeyes, holds an honorary doctorate from the university and even has his own museum on campus.
Turns out, Nicklaus has a secret. He also roots for Michigan.
"It may sound funny to you being an Ohio State guy, but I really am a big Michigan fan," Nicklaus said at a press conference Tuesday. "I'm a Michigan fan about 11 weeks of the year. I want them to come in undefeated."
Ahead of this weekend's Memorial Tournament -- held in Dublin Ohio at Muirfield Village, a course designed by Nicklaus himself -- the Golden Bear was asked about the importance of the PGA Tour returning to Michigan with next month's Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club.
He reflected on his times playing in and around the Detroit area, including U.S. Opens and PGA Championships at Oakland Hills Country Club.
"I always played well in Detroit. It’s a big city, a lot of good golf courses, a lot of enthusiasm. It’s great to go back there," Nicklaus said.
There is still no word from Tiger Woods, who is one win shy of tying Sam Snead's all-time record of 82 PGA Tour wins.
Nicklaus also fielded questions about Woods' resurgance and whether he thinks his record of 18 Major titles may fall at the hands of Woods, who now has 15 after winning the Masters this spring -- his first Major in more than a decade.
He said it was "kind of nice" those questions had gone away, but he is glad to see Woods playing at a high level again.
Still, he doesn't want to see his record fall. He's just glad it appears that injuries won't keep Woods from having the chance to do it.