The World Moves Fast – Even for Legends Like Nicklaus

The world is moving fast. Is there anyone that doesn’t think that it’s moving faster than when we were younger? I didn’t think so. 

Over the weekend, time caught up with my childhood hero, Jack Nicklaus. Last week, the 50^th edition of the Memorial golf tournament took place and, breaking news, Scottie Scheffler was the winner. This PGA Tour stop is conducted on the course Nicklaus built in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Muirfield Village is his baby. He micromanages every aspect of the event which, again, isn’t breaking news. There are, however, some aspects of the tournament out of his control. This became evident during Friday’s second round, as the Golf Channel did what Golf Channel does - they spoke to the leader of the tournament as he was coming off the 17th tee. This is an element the tour networks added 18 months ago in an effort to broaden portions of the broadcast. It’s an attempt to take the viewer inside the ropes as much as possible while still being respectful of the players. 

This is what took place on Friday with Ben Griffin. Unfortunately, Nicklaus was in the tower as part of the broadcast, it didn’t go well.  

“I can’t stand that, the interview on the golf course,” Nicklaus said. “Let me tell you how I think. Seriously, this is a guy that is leading the golf tournament. He’s sitting on the edge of the rough, very difficult shot on a very difficult hole. And you’re talking to him about stuff that totally takes his mind off what he’s doing. How do you think Ben Hogan would respond to that question? You would not have any teeth left if you did. He would hit you right in the face.” 

I love my childhood hero, but I have a couple of thoughts about the things he said. First of all, is he right or wrong? I’m sorry to say that, in this situation, I disagree with my hero. Players are not surprised by the interview. They are asked ahead of time if they would consider doing it. They can say no. I’m sure many have. Nicklaus would have said no. Yes, Hogan would have also said no. But many players say yes because they understand what the networks and the tour are trying to accomplish. I’m afraid it’s not something my 85-year-old hero will ever understand. But times are different. Nicklaus earned approximately $5.7 million over the course of his career. Scottie Scheffler made close to $10 million in May alone. I’m not sure he will ever understand that. 

I get where Jack is coming from, but he’s coming from a different time and place. That time and that place was good, back then, but it is not today. Things are moving fast. Does he have to like it? Nope.  

But he can’t stop it.