Jack Nicklaus Clears His Stance on the PGA Tour vs Saudi League Controversy: ‘Why Would I Not Support That?’

Most of the young golfers have made their choice. They have chosen to pick the PGA Tours over the Saudi-backed Golf League. And the PGA Tour veteran Jack Nicklaus, too, has made his decision. According to him, the Tour has brought nothing but good to the sport. He was speaking at an event ahead of the 2022 Honda Classic.

He explained that America’s golf organization has helped communities to raise millions of money for good causes. It has helped create great competition. Above all, the PGA Tour has brought good entertainment for the television audience.

He added, “Why would I not support that?”

Did Jack Nicklaus taunt Phil Mickelson?

While talking about his thoughts on the Saudi-backed Golf League, the 82-year-old veteran golfer didn’t forget to make fun of Mickelson. He asked why he would choose a League that would only benefit about 40 golfers instead of Tour, which brought a lot of goodness to the communities. He added, “I just don’t like it. I don’t think it is right.” 

Mickelson is currently the only renowned player who has shown interest in the League. Recently, the golfer faced controversies because of his comments regarding the League and the PGA Tour. 

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He had said that he was using the League only to reshape the Tour. He also alleged that the PGA Tour Commissioner would never do anything good for the players unless someone points it out. 

The comments have put Mickelson’s career in jeopardy. He lost sponsor contracts with big brands such as KPMG and Amster Light.

Nicklaus and PGA Tour

Nicklaus’ relationship with the Tour began decades ago; He joined the organization in 1962. Since then, he has won 73 Tour championship titles, including 18 majors. Jack still holds the record of winning the most number of majors in history. Notably, his very first win at a PGA event is a major, the 1962 U. S. Open Championship. 

Later, he joined the PGA Tour Champions in 1990, where he has won 10 championships, including the U. S. Senior. Nicklaus became the legendary golfer we now know by playing mostly on the PGA events.

The veteran golfer is against people trying to choose the League over the Tour. From Nicklaus’ comments on Mickelson, if anything, we now understand where the legend stands regarding the PGA and the Saudi-backed Golf League.

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