Golf legend Jack Nicklaus RIPS into LIV Golf players ahead of Memorial

Jack Nicklaus has ripped into LIV Golf players such as Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka by declaring he "does not even consider those guys part of the game anymore."

Nicklaus, 83, slammed the Saudi-bankrolled LIV Golf circuit during an interview with Golfweek ahead of his tournament-hosting duties at this week's iconic Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour. 

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“I don’t even consider those guys [LIV Golf players] part of the game anymore," said record 18-time major champion Nicklaus.

"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."

Related: LIV Golf star forced out of Koepka's team, wiped from all socials

Nicklaus then explained how seven current LIV Golf League players are members of his Bears Club in South Florida, and they have all had their memberships renewed for this season. 

One of those players is Koepka, who earlier this month won his third US PGA Championship at Oak Hill. 

"It’s just where they chose to play golf," he added. "I wish them all well."

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As for whether Nicklaus would ever consider LIV Golf players returning to compete in his annual Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour, the Golden Bear was unsure. 

"It’s not up to me," replied Nicklaus.

"I don’t know if I’d let them back or not.

"They made a choice about what they want to do and that’s what the rules are."

READ NICKLAUS' FULL INTERVIEW HERE

GolfMagic Editor @AndyRobertsGolf believes Patrick Cantlay is the man to beat at the Memorial Tournament this week:



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