PALM BEACH GARDENS (Fla.) — Jack Nicklaus, who was an honorary starter at the Masters tournament in April along with Gary Player and Tom Watson, hasn’t swung his golf club since April.
He did not bring his clubs with him to a PGA National clinic on Monday. Instead, he left the ball-striking to Annika, Ernie and Luke Donald.
The 83-year old Hall of Famer of North Palm Beach does not know when he will pick up another club.
“I’d like to play again.” Nicklaus said. Nicklaus stated, “I play so badly anymore that it’s really no fun.” “I run out of balls.”
Jack, welcome to our world.
Images: Jack Nicklaus over the years
Jack compares himself with people who are many decades younger than he is.
He said, “People always tell me they want to be able to play like I do.” Now they can. “I don’t even think they want to play the same way I do.”
Nicklaus has won 120 professional tournaments, 73 of them on the PGA Tour. This includes a record-breaking 18 majors. He finished as runner-up at 19 other majors. The R&A hosted a British Open in 2005 so Nicklaus would be able to end his career on the prestigious St. Andrews Course. He missed the cut, and claimed that he had never holed every putt in an 18-hole game since.
Nicklaus, Sorenstam and Donald all spoke on Monday at the Integra Connect Golf Classic clinic benefiting Conquer Cancer.
Each told stories and shared tips. Jack’s voice was the loudest. He was telling stories about Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and his grip. Or he explained why he thinks Rory McIlroy can play golf “until 80.” It’s because of his swing.
Nicklaus and Sorenstam discussed where to hold the club – Sorenstam closer to her palm, Nicklaus more towards her fingers. She suggested that if Nicklaus had used her technique “maybe he could have won more titles.”
The audience laughed. Sorenstam smiled.
She said, “Just kidding.”
