AUGUSTA (Ga.) — Jack Nicklaus was instrumental to the first major split in professional golf, which led to the formation of the PGA Tour as it is today.
When Nicklaus was asked what caused the 1969 fracture of PGA of America, he replied that it was because of his organization. He mentioned the exclusive rights of the organization that held the players’ rights. Nicklaus stated that it is not the same.
Nicklaus stated, “The PGA of America, you signed your entry form, and you gave up all your rights for anything.” The players disagreed. They were not legally able to do anything.
“Now, their complaint today was that it was a very similar situation. It was not a similar situation, but I doubt it. You don’t have rights with the tour, but you can do what you want individually. The tour has also taken our collective rights and done an excellent job getting us to where we are today. It is easy to see how much the guys make playing tournament golf.
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Nicklaus was from North Palm Beach, Jupiter Island. Gary Player and Tom Watson were the honorary starters at Thursday’s Masters. They each hit a tee shot on one hole prior to the start of Thursday’s round.
They have won 11 Masters titles together, Nicklaus winning six. They were among six Masters winners, who all now play on LIV Tour.
Nicklaus stated, “Everyone was wondering if there were going to be any problems using the LIV players.” “Zero. It was the most pleasant evening you could have. It was amazing.
They also discussed the Green Jacket and the lessons they have learned from the Masters, changes at Augusta National, and the game over time, including the USGA’s proposal to repeal the golf ball. This could lead to tours with a new ball that travels less than the current one.
Everyone agreed that something must be done to reduce the distance.
Player stated, “They have to cut the ball back.” “Anotherwise, technology and the entire objective of golf will be distorted. It’s great to see them trying. It’s been the subject of much discussion.
“I know Tom, Jack, and I. A lot of players have talked about it for years. It is not enough to go 20 yards. You have to look ahead for the pros. It’s fine for amateurs. For the players, however, you need to trim it back by 40 yards.
Watson stated that the ball is more important than the clubs when it comes to distance.
Watson stated that there are legitimate reasons to move it back. The ball is the most important factor. “The clubs help you hit it a little longer,” Watson said. The Pro V1 was introduced in 2001. It gave a significant boost to the distance that you could hit the ball. This is why all other ball manufacturers followed suit.
Nicklaus ended the discussion by citing Bobby Jones’ book.
Nicklaus stated, “He said that the greatest problem in the game of golf in the future was the distance at which the ball travels.” “Back in 1930, OK?”
“So, the problem hasn’t changed. The USGA and R&A are a good place to start.
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By: Tom D’Angelo
Title: Is LIV Golf's split from the PGA Tour just like movement 50 years ago? Jack Nicklaus doesn't think so
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/04/07/liv-golf-pga-tour-jack-nicklaus-1969-pga-of-america/
Published Date: Fri, 07 Apr 2023 13:40:47 +0000
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