- Jack Nicklaus believes the controversial Saudi-backed LIV is here to stay
- The 83-year-old holds the record for most major wins ever, with 18
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Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has added his voice to the recent chorus of pro-LIV sentiment, claiming in a recent interview that the breakaway league has been “a powerful addition” to the game.
Phil Mickelson said earlier this week that LIV was “going nowhere,” and even staunch PGA defender Rory McIlroy has softened his stance of late.
And speaking about the GOLF Channel’s ‘Golf Central’ this week, Nicklaus offered his support to both LIV and PGA commissioner Jay Monahan.
“The LIV thing has been a powerful addition to the game and has probably had a lot more impact than we thought, but it has and will probably continue to do so,” he said.
About Monahan, he added, “I know Jay took a beating, but I’ve always fully supported Jay,” he said. “Everything Jay has done has been in the best interests of golf and the Tour.”
Jack Nicklaus believes LIV has been “powerful” for the game of golf and will continue to do so
Nicklaus also defended PGA chief Jay Monahan, who agreed to merge the Tour with LIV
The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf agreed in principle this summer to essentially come together under one umbrella, although no deal has yet been finalized.
According to the party, the parties missed the original deadline of December 31 TelegraphIt is believed that there will be a new cut-off point before The Masters in April.
While fans hope to see Tiger Woods at Augusta National, it seems unlikely at this point that he will match Nicklaus’ Majors record of 18 wins.
“If he had stayed healthy, I think he would have gotten it, but he didn’t stay healthy,” Nicklaus said. ‘…I feel sorry for him.’
The 83-year-old said his performance ‘will probably stay put for a while,” although he believes the 48-year-old Woods will dominate in the next phase of his career.
“I think Tiger will play the senior tour. He could get in a cart and kill absolutely everyone.”
Woods has admitted he is unsure how he will qualify for this year’s US Open as he is not exempt from the tournament for the first time in almost three decades after an injury-filled 2023.