PALM BEACH GARDENS — Jack Nicklaus, the legendary golfer, has refrained from swinging a golf club since hitting a memorable tee shot before the first round of the Masters in April. During that historic moment, he served as an honorary starter alongside Gary Player and Tom Watson. While attending a clinic at PGA National on Monday, Nicklaus opted not to bring his clubs and instead watched Annika Sorenstam, Ernie Els, and Luke Donald demonstrate their skills.
The 83-year-old Hall of Famer from North Palm Beach is uncertain when he will resume playing golf. Nicklaus expressed his dissatisfaction with his current performance, stating, “I would like to go play again. However, I play so poorly nowadays that it’s just not enjoyable, and I always run out of golf balls.”
Ironically, Nicklaus finds himself in the same situation as many who aspire to play golf like him, although those individuals are usually much younger. He humorously remarked, “People often say they want to play like me. Well, now they can. Although, I don’t think they really want to.”
Nicklaus boasts an impressive record of 120 professional event victories, including 73 on the PGA Tour, and a remarkable 18 major championships, a record yet to be surpassed. He finished as the runner-up in an additional 19 majors. In 2005, the R&A hosted the British Open at the esteemed St. Andrews course as a fitting end to Nicklaus’ illustrious career. Unfortunately, he missed the cut and has not played a round where he sank every putt since.
During the clinic, Nicklaus, Sorenstam, Els, and Donald provided tips and shared stories. However, it was Jack’s words that resonated the most, whether he was discussing his grip, recounting anecdotes about Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer, or explaining why he believes Rory McIlroy will continue to excel in golf well into old age.
During a conversation about their gripping techniques, Sorenstam, known as the greatest female golfer of all time, jokingly suggested that if Nicklaus adopted her technique, “maybe he would have won more titles.”
The audience burst into laughter, and Sorenstam grinned. “Just kidding,” she quickly added.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Jack Nicklaus has not swung a golf club since tee shot at the Masters
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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