Legend Jack Nicklaus blasts biggest issue with golf right now
'How do you think (Ben) Hogan would respond to that question? You would not have any teeth left if you did. He would hit you right in the face with it.'
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A lot of things have changed since Jack Nicklaus’ heyday on the golf course.
But there’s one thing in particular that one of the legends of the game truly can’t stand about the current era of golf.
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Legend Jack Nicklaus blasts biggest issue with golf right now Back to video
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The Golden Bear simply cannot bear to see golfers being interviewed during the middle of their rounds while on the course.
Nicklaus, 85, shared his thoughts during the second round of the Memorial tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club — an event he hosts annually.
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The incident that brought out the ire from the golf legend happened as Ben Griffen — in contention at the event and sitting at 7-under after the first round — was grabbed for a mid-round interview by Fox Sports at the 17th hole.
Nicklaus was not impressed, saying that he wants the players to be able to focus on their game and not be distracted as they contemplate their shots.
“I can’t stand that, the interview on the golf course,” Nicklaus said. “Can’t stand that. Let me tell you how I think. Seriously, this is a guy who is leading the golf tournament.
“He is sitting on the edge of the rough, very difficult shot on a very difficult hole.
“And you are talking to him about stuff that totally takes his mind off what he is doing.”
Nicklaus then shared how he felt some colleagues from his era would’ve handled being approached while walking the fairways.
“How do you think (Ben) Hogan would respond to that question?” Nicklaus rhetorically asked. “You would not have any teeth left if you did. He would hit you right in the face with it.”
When it comes to post-round interviews, however, Nicklaus is all for seeing the golfer talk and values the work reporters do.
“I’ve always felt that you guys have a job to do, and gals,” he said.
“And, for you to do your job, you need to talk to me.
“Whether I played well or whether I played poorly, if you still want to talk to me, I’ll talk to you. And I always have.”
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