Jack Nicklaus plays a practice round at the 1968 British Open. (AP)

1. Jack Nicklaus

PGA Tour victories in 1960s: 30 (of 73 total)

Major titles in 1960s: 7 (of 18 total)

The Golden Bear came of age in this decade, starting in his early 20s. To start off his decade in the spotlight, Nicklaus won the 1961 U.S. Amateur, his second title in that event (after also winning in 1959). As an amateur he finished second to Arnold Palmer at the 1960 U.S. Open, which forecast one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports. Nicklaus earned his first professional title by beating Palmer in a playoff at the 1962 U.S. Open. Nicklaus completed the career Grand Slam by winning the 1966 British Open. In all, he won the Masters three times (1963, ’65, ’66), the U.S. Open twice (1962, ’67), the British Open once (1966) and the PGA Championship once (1963) in the decade. Nicklaus was a powerful striker of the golf ball, often outdistancing his opponents and setting up higher-lofted approach shots into greens. That, and his naturally high ball flight, were a perfect combination for dominating in the majors. He often played a lighter schedule than other PGA Tour professionals, and his focus was on the majors. Among many honors that included the Congressional Golf Medal in 2015, Nicklaus was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.