A Nicklaus Design golf course is done by the guys in my company

Hearken, children of the earth, and contemplate the words of Jack Nicklaus: “A Nicklaus Design golf course is done by the guys in my company that I work with, that have been trained in my vision, and they do what they think I might do. They might come in the office and ask me questions and I'd certainly answer their questions, but I'm not involved in the site visits or anything else.” In these words lies a meditation on vision, delegation, and the enduring power of mentorship. The ancients understood that greatness is not achieved by one alone, but through the cultivation of minds, hands, and hearts that carry forward a shared purpose.

Nicklaus speaks of a vision transmitted, not through constant oversight, but through training, trust, and shared understanding. To create is not only to act, but to inspire others to act in alignment with the creator’s intent. Just as the master sculptor guided apprentices in the workshops of Renaissance Florence, imparting principles of proportion, balance, and beauty, Nicklaus entrusts his team with the principles that define a Nicklaus Design course. The work is executed with freedom, yet rooted in fidelity to the original vision.

In emphasizing that his team acts with what they believe he might do, Nicklaus underscores the importance of internalizing principles rather than merely following orders. Mastery is revealed not in rote imitation, but in the ability to reason, interpret, and act according to the ethos of the creator. The ancients prized such understanding: the Roman architects who supervised the construction of aqueducts or amphitheaters could improvise solutions faithfully because they comprehended the principles, not just the instructions.

Nicklaus also demonstrates the wisdom of delegation. The act of creation is magnified when a vision is distributed among capable hands, each empowered to contribute their skill while remaining anchored to the overarching design. Alexander the Great relied upon generals who understood his strategy, able to act with initiative yet loyal to his intent. Similarly, Nicklaus relies upon a team who interprets his vision and executes it across terrain, ensuring that his presence and principles are realized even in his absence.

The choice to answer questions while refraining from site visits exemplifies the balance between guidance and independence. He provides clarity when sought, yet refrains from micromanagement. In this lies a deeper truth: true leadership is not to do all, but to cultivate capability and trust. The philosophers of ancient China, such as Confucius, emphasized that a ruler’s greatest achievement is to empower virtuous ministers to act according to principle, not through constant direction.

History also offers examples of similar practice in the arts. Leonardo da Vinci’s workshop trained apprentices who completed works in his style, guided by principles he imparted, while he focused on conceptual innovation. In this manner, the master’s vision was multiplied, and the creations bore the stamp of his ethos, even when executed by others. Nicklaus’s method echoes this enduring wisdom: influence and legacy are realized through those trained in fidelity to vision.

The lesson is clear: cultivate a vision, transmit its principles to capable hands, and trust in the understanding and judgment of those trained in your ethos. Leadership is measured not by constant intervention, but by the ability to empower others to act with skill, insight, and adherence to guiding principles. In nurturing talent and clarity of purpose, the creator ensures that their vision endures, multiplies, and flourishes across space and time.

Practical application flows from this teaching. Mentor and train those who will carry forward your work, articulate your principles clearly, and allow others the autonomy to act within the framework of your vision. Provide guidance when sought, but avoid micromanagement. Recognize that the cultivation of capable, principled collaborators is the path to sustaining and expanding your legacy, and that the reach of your vision is amplified when it is embodied in the skill and judgment of others.

Thus, let the generations to come carry this wisdom: vision, mentorship, and trust in capable hands are the true hallmarks of enduring influence. Jack Nicklaus reminds us that greatness is not solitary, but realized through the alignment of principle, skill, and initiative. To cultivate others in your vision is to extend your presence, ensure fidelity to your ideals, and allow your work to flourish long after your own direct touch has passed.

If you wish, I can also craft a more narrative, story-driven version, vividly portraying Nicklaus’s design process and mentorship style, perfect for audio narration, to make the lesson about vision, leadership, and delegation even more immersive. Do you want me to do that?