Jack Nicklaus knows a thing or two about golf.
His opinion carries tremendous weight having spent a lifetime shaping the game, the PGA Tour and his beloved Memorial Tournament.
Following the announcement of the PGA Tour’s merger with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Nicklaus commented on the situation.
“The last three years have been difficult for the sport and the players,” Nicklaus told the Palm Beach Post. “I spoke to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan this morning. He seemed happy with the agreement that will once again bring together the best players in the world. I agree that this is good for the game of golf.”
To Nicklaus’ delight, golf’s major divide appears to lie in the rear-view mirror.
AUGUSTA, Georgia — Jack Nicklaus keeps an eye on the ball as he hits the sand out of the bunker during the Masters tournament April 12, 1986 at Augusta National Golf Club. Photo by David Cannon/Allsport/Getty Images
“I also appreciate the Commissioner’s comments on continuing the Tour’s tradition and mission to support important charities,” added Nicklaus. “I’m definitely interested in seeing the details. [Monahan] hinted that all this will happen in 2024, so the proof will be available very soon. Whatever is best for the game of golf has my full support.”
Nicklaus’s statement that this agreement is good for the game is somewhat surprising given the frustration among PGA Tour players, the accusations of hypocrisy being leveled at Monahan and the understanding of who is the beneficiary of PIF.
Still, the 18-time Major winner has long supported anything that benefits the game of golf in the long run.
The “Golden Bear” has been around for years. argued advocated rolling back the golf ball for the game’s best players, saying Tour players are hitting too far today. He believes the move will benefit the integrity of the game and golf course irrigation systems, and will also limit the cost of golf course renovation and expansion.
Nicklaus has also shared his thoughts on LIV Golf, saying he “don’t even look at these guys as part of the game anymore”.
“This is a PGA Tour event and we have the best possible field for a PGA Tour event for those who are eligible to attend,” Nicklaus said ahead of the 2023 Memorial tournament. “The other guys have a decision on that what they did and where they went, and we don’t even talk about it.”
The announcement of the merger will allow members of the LIV Golf Circuit to participate in the 2024 Memorial Tournament. Monahan previously suspended players who transferred to the Breakaway Tour, but they can now reapply for PGA Tour membership after the 2023 season.
It sounds like Nicklaus is ready to move on.