On Wednesday on Golf Central, Rich Lerner sat down with 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus for an insightful conversation.
Niklaus There were so many things I wanted to say, details his career, LIV Golf and the situation with Tiger Woods. But it was his comments about Woods that really stood out.
“I think Tiger will play in the senior tournament.” [Tour Champions]'' Nicklaus said. “He could ride a cart and he would absolutely kill everyone. He's talented, he's a great worker, he's got a great work ethic. He loves golf. He's very focused on his son Charlie right now. I know they're doing it, but it's expected. I think the father-son relationship is great, and I'm happy for Tiger.”
Nicklaus noted that Woods is incredibly competitive, regardless of the injury. Watch Woods and the Foreplay Pod's recent viral video.
If he has the physical ability, he will compete in any tournament.
“I think Tiger can do anything he wants to do – and always has been,” Nicklaus said. “It's unfortunate that he can't walk as much as he would like, but I know he's hitting the ball well and making good plays.”
The 84-year-old liked that Woods also joined the policy committee because of his influence in the golf world.
“Having him join the policy committee and be part of the future direction of the game is a great addition…He has great insight into the future direction and where we need to go.” Nicklaus said. “I fully support Tiger's actions.”
The conversation turned to the Golden Bears' major championship record. Nicklaus won 18 major titles during his illustrious career. Woods is a back three, but Nicklaus shot down the idea that he would be caught.
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“If he had stayed healthy, I think he would have been infected, but he didn't stay healthy,” Nicklaus said. “I feel sorry for him for that. He still has a huge influence on the golf world…Even when he was trying to break my record, I said to him, 'Tiger, who's this?' I don't want my record to be broken, but I don't want yours to be broken.''
Lerner was among those who predicted Woods would win 25 majors and 100 on the PGA Tour, but injuries prevented that from happening.
“He's had a relatively good career,” Nicklaus said with a wicked grin. He also said this record is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
The two also discussed the current state of golf and how LIV is changing the game.
“LIV was a powerful addition to the game,” he said. “It has probably affected us much more than we anticipated, but it has and will probably continue to affect us. must be found.”
Despite the amount of backlash against PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan from fans and players, Nicklaus isn't worried about leadership.
“I know Jay has taken a hit, but I have always had my full support for him. Everything Jay has done has been in the best interest of golf and the Tour, so I am now is also supporting him there,” Nicklaus said. “Let's see what happens. The proof will be in the pudding, that's what I said when it was announced six months ago, but we haven't seen the pudding yet.”
Despite being over 80 years old, Nicklaus remains one of gaming's most influential voices.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through.If you want to know more about golf, please follow us. @_PlayingThrough On all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirls and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
