It is a big week for my old Chicago Tribune colleague Bob Verdi. He is receiving the 2012 Memorial Golf Journalism Award at Jack Nicklaus’ tournament.

Verdi has received many honors through the years, but this one is special because of his relationship with Nicklaus.

Unlike Tiger Woods, who doesn’t get it in regards to the media, Nicklaus continues to be the all-time greatest golfer in the pressroom too. There’s a reason why Nicklaus, at age 72, resonates more than just about anybody associated with the game.

During an interview on my golf radio show on WSCR-AM 670 in Chicago, Verdi talked about covering the Golden Bear for the Tribune, Golf World and Golf Digest:

Jack realized early on, probably from (Arnold Palmer), whether he shot 65 or 75, he was news. He never brushed off the media. He just gets it. It’s part of the reason why he is what he is. It’s not only the way he played, but also the way he conducted himself.

Verdi then couldn’t resist sharing his favorite Nicklaus story:

My only problem with Jack is that he designed a course on the Cayman Islands. The property wasn’t big enough so he invented the Cayman Ball. It couldn’t go more than 125 yards.

He said, “I’m going to patent it.”

I said to Jack, “How can you patent it? I’ve been using that ball for 25 years.”