Jack Nicklaus is aware of a factor or two about golf.
His opinion carries large weight having spent a lifetime shaping the sport, the PGA Tour and his beloved Memorial Match.
Following the announcement of the PGA Tour’s merger with the Saudi Arabian Public Funding Fund, Nicklaus commented on the state of affairs.
“The final three years have been tough for the game and the gamers,” Nicklaus informed the Palm Seaside Put up. “I spoke to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan this morning. He appeared pleased with the settlement that can as soon as once more carry collectively the most effective gamers on the earth. I agree that that is good for the sport of golf.”
To Nicklaus’ delight, golf’s main divide seems to lie within the rear-view mirror.
AUGUSTA, Georgia — Jack Nicklaus retains an eye fixed on the ball as he hits the sand out of the bunker in the course of the Masters event April 12, 1986 at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership. Photograph by David Cannon/Allsport/Getty Pictures
“I additionally admire the Commissioner’s feedback on persevering with the Tour’s custom and mission to assist necessary charities,” added Nicklaus. “I’m undoubtedly curious about seeing the small print. [Monahan] hinted that every one it will occur in 2024, so the proof can be accessible very quickly. No matter is greatest for the sport of golf has my full assist.”
Nicklaus’s assertion that this settlement is sweet for the sport is considerably shocking given the frustration amongst PGA Tour gamers, the accusations of hypocrisy being leveled at Monahan and the understanding of who’s the beneficiary of PIF.
Nonetheless, the 18-time Main winner has lengthy supported something that advantages the sport of golf in the long term.
The “Golden Bear” has been round for years. argued advocated rolling again the golf ball for the sport’s greatest gamers, saying Tour gamers are hitting too far right this moment. He believes the transfer will profit the integrity of the sport and golf course irrigation techniques, and also will restrict the price of golf course renovation and growth.
Nicklaus has additionally shared his ideas on LIV Golf, saying he “don’t even have a look at these guys as a part of the sport anymore”.
“It is a PGA Tour occasion and now we have the absolute best area for a PGA Tour occasion for many who are eligible to attend,” Nicklaus mentioned forward of the 2023 Memorial event. “The opposite guys have a call on that what they did and the place they went, and we don’t even discuss it.”
The announcement of the merger will permit members of the LIV Golf Circuit to take part within the 2024 Memorial Match. Monahan beforehand suspended gamers who transferred to the Breakaway Tour, however they’ll now reapply for PGA Tour membership after the 2023 season.
It feels like Nicklaus is able to transfer on.