Living golf legend Jack Nicklaus makes PGA Tour claim at Players Championship
Living golf legend Jack Nicklaus says the PGA Tour has a great future despite uncertainty reigning over the men's professional game.
Living golf legend Jack Nicklaus believes the PGA Tour is in 'pretty darn good shape' as he called for the game to sort out its issues.
Nicklaus hopped onto the Golf Channel broadcast during day one of the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
Understandably, the Golden Bear was asked for his verdict on the current state of affairs.
There is no denying Nicklaus is no stranger to disruption having been integral in forming the PGA Tour back in 1968.
Nicklaus, along with Arnold Palmer, led the players in breaking away from the PGA of America.
On Thursday, Nicklaus reiterated that decision was for the 'best interest of the game'.
"The PGA of America is who we separated from," Nicklaus told the broadcast.
"But when we formed the policy board we had three PGA of America executives on the board so they had a big say in things.
"We didn't want to break away from them as the game, we just felt that players should control their own destiny.
"And they have been now for the last 56 years."
Related:
- Wife of PGA Tour pro responds to epic tantrum at the Players Championship
- Tom Kim triples famed 17th at TPC Sawgrass then WDs from the Players
- Rory McIlroy on Jordan Spieth drop debate: "I'm a big believer in karma"
So where would Nicklaus like to see the game go from here?
"Well, it's a pretty good question," Nicklaus, 84, replied. "We've got a few issues we've got to clean up right now."
"But I would always like to see the best players in the world play together.
"They do at the major championships right now to a certain degree.
"A few of the LIV players go there but not very many as only the ones who've qualified for them get in. I [do] think the PGA Tour's schedule is fantastic.
"Now being able to play the signature tournaments but also the tournaments they're building in between, they're building new stars, giving new people the opportunity to move up in the rankings.
"I think the PGA structure is pretty darn good right now."
Watch the interview here:
Read next: