Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus to be made honorary citizen of St Andrews

Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus is to be made an honorary citizen of St Andrews.

The 82-year-old American is considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time.

He will be granted the honour by the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community.

Nicklaus is considered to be one of the greatest-ever golfers. (St Andrews) Email

Nicklaus has 18 Majors to his name and won The Open twice at St Andrews.

In 2005, he played his last Open on the Old Course where he birdied the last hole.

The honour will be bestowed on Nicklaus at a public ceremony in the Younger Hall on North Street in St Andrews on July 12.

Lee Trevino, Jose Maria Olazabal, Catriona Matthew, Sir Bob Charles and Sandy Lyle will also all be honoured as part of the ceremony in recognition of their achievements and outstanding service to the game of golf.

Nicklaus received an honorary degree from the University of St Andrews in 2008. (St Andrews) Email

They will receive honorary degrees from the University of St Andrews as the 150th Open returns to the Home of Golf this summer.

Nicklaus, who is already an honorary graduate of the University of St Andrews, will be the first person to be made an Honorary Citizen of St Andrews since Bobby Jones was made a Freeman of St Andrews in 1958.

He will be one of only three US citizens to have received the honour, the other being Benjamin Franklin in 1759.

The golfing icon said that he is “deeply honoured” by the invitation from the townspeople of St Andrews.

He will give a short speech of acceptance in the Younger Hall.