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A lot has changed since Jack Nicklaus’ heyday on the golf course.
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But there’s one thing in particular that one of golf’s legends really can’t stand in today’s era of golf.
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The Golden Bear simply can’t stand seeing golfers interviewed in the middle of their rounds 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 every year.
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The incident that drew the golf legend’s ire occurred when 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 he wished players could concentrate on their game and not be distracted while contemplating their shots.
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“I can’t stand this interview on the golf course,” Nicklaus said. “I can’t stand this. Let me tell you what I think. Seriously, this is a guy who leads the golf tournament.
“He’s sitting on the edge of a difficult, very difficult shot on a very difficult hole.
“And you talk to him about things that make him totally forget what he’s doing.”
Nicklaus then explained how he believes some colleagues from his era would have handled being approached while roaming the fairways.
“How do you think (Ben) Hogan would answer that question?” Nicklaus asked rhetorically. “If he did, you wouldn’t have any teeth left. He’d hit you in the face with them.”
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However, when it comes to post-round interviews, Nicklaus is all for seeing the golfer speak and appreciates the work of journalists.
“I always thought you had a job to do, and so did the girls,” he said.
“And for you to do your job, you need to talk to me.”
“Whether I played well or played badly, if you still want to talk to me, I’ll tell you. And I always have.”
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