C-M sophomore earns visit with ‘Golden Bear,’ Jack Nicklaus
For American Junior Golf Association Junior and Canon-McMillan High School sophomore Henry Manciu, months of hard work and a spirit for helping others led to a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a visit to the Palm Beach home of golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
Manciu was among the six AJGA golfers who were hosted by Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara, in early March as top fundraisers in the Leadership Links program.
Manciu earned the opportunity after raising $9,394 in 2025 for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Liberty National Ace Grant.
The 15-year-old collected donations through his “Golf for Good with Henry” campaign by offering chipping and putting lessons in his backyard, simulator sessions in his living room, organizing a garage sale of gently used golf equipment and dressing up as the “Golfing Grinch” and visiting children at their homes during the Christmas season.
In May 2025, Manciu won the Impact Award at the Timothy E. Nettles Memorial Junior Golf Tournament, which came with a $1,000 grant for him to donate to the charity of his choice.
“I chose the Nicklaus Foundation because I’ve admired Jack Nicklaus my whole life – for the way he played the game, and for how much he gives back to the world. It felt great to be able to donate my Impact grant to his foundation, and it made me want to do more,” said Manciu.
In 2025, Manciu also volunteered as a junior coach for both the PGA Junior League’s Lindenwood 13U team and First Tee of Pittsburgh.
He found out in December that the Nicklauses had invited him and the other AJGA golfers to his home to celebrate his fundraising efforts.
“Walking up to their front door and meeting them was a dream come true,” said Manciu.
Manciu also has a connection to Nicklaus – Manciu’s grandfather, Les Botkin, is the original Director of Golf at The Club at Nevillewood, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course in Collier Township.
During the visit, Manciu shared family photos of his grandfather and Nicklaus playing the course’s opening round in 1992.
“Mr. Nicklaus told me he remembered my grandpa and that he always took great care of him when he was in town during Nevillewood’s construction,” said Manciu.
Manciu said the Nicklauses were generous hosts, and that Barbara Nicklaus baked cookies for the young golfers, including buckeyes, a nod to Nicklaus’ alma mater, Ohio State University.
“And she gave each of us a real buckeye, sharing that Jack had one in his golf bag during 17 of the 18 major championships he won. I plan to keep mine in my bag from now on,” said Manciu.
Manciu said he was thrilled to talk with Nicklaus about the Golden Bear’s storied career, highlighted by 18 major championship victories – including a win at the Masters at age 46 in 1986 – and 19 runner-up finishes in majors.
Since founding the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004 — sparked by an early pledge to help children after a family health crisis — the Nicklauses have raised hundreds of millions of dollars to provide access to world-class pediatric care.
In 2015, Miami Children’s Hospital was renamed the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital following a landmark $60 million pledge, and the foundation continues to support programs for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of childhood illnesses, reaching children across the United States and in nearly 120 countries.
While in Florida, Manciu visited the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where he organized a program for patients to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Dressed as “Paddy the Putting Leprechaun,” Manciu helped kids build leprechaun traps and played chipping and putting games.
In an interview broadcast to hospital rooms throughout the hospital, staff talked with Manciu about his charitable campaign and his visit to the Nicklaus home.
“The kids were awesome,” he said. “There were 2-year-olds and 15-year-olds, and even the teenagers had fun building the leprechaun traps. I was so happy I got to see Nicklaus’ hospital and help bring some fun to patients.”
For Manciu, the experience was more than just a reward for his fundraising efforts — it was a reminder that through golf, he has the opportunity to change lives.
Manciu credits his grandfather, along with his grandmother, Barb, for fostering his love of the game. The pair started taking him to hit golf balls when he was in elementary school, and they drive him to tournaments and go to as many Canon-Mac golf matches as they can.
“I feel lucky to have a supportive, golf-loving family,” said Manciu.
The Leadership Links program has helped juniors raise millions for charity since 2009.
Manciu continues to fundraise in 2026. To find out more, visit https://www.leadershiplinks.org/henry/.