The blockbuster news of the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf stunned the golf world Tuesday, bringing a wide range of reactions.
Many golf observers decried the merger, citing problematic ties between LIV Golf and the Saudi regime. Yet golf legend Jack Nicklaus felt otherwise.
Nicklaus told the Palm Beach Post that the merger can help heal divisions in the golf world.
“The last three years have been difficult for the game and the players,” Nicklaus said. “I spoke with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan this morning. He seemed pleased with the arrangement that will once again bring together the best players in the world. I agree that this is good for the game of golf.
“I also appreciate the commissioner’s comments about continuing the tradition of the Tour and the mission to support important charitable causes. I am certainly interested in seeing the details. Jay indicated that this all will happen in 2024, so very soon the proof will be in the pudding. Whatever is best for the game of golf enjoys my full support.”
Nicklaus, who told the Post he once turned down a $100 million offer to serve as the commissioner of LIV Golf, has been dismissive of the new league, although he’s been remarkably tactful in his comments. However, he raised eyebrows with a statement last week about players who had defected to LIV. When asked about the field for the 2023 Memorial Tournament, Nicklaus said, “For all intents and purposes, all the top players in the world are here.”
When someone pointed out a number of LIV stars, such as PGA Champion Brooks Koepka, were not present, Nicklaus remarked, “I don’t even consider those guys part of the game anymore. I don’t mean that in a nasty way. This is a PGA Tour event and we have the best field we can possibly have for a PGA Tour event for those who are eligible to be here. The other guys made a choice of what they did and where they’ve gone and we don’t even talk about it.”
The positive comments by Nicklaus should help win support for the PGA Tour’s controversial decision to merge.
