Golfing News & Blog Articles
Nicklaus To Governing Bodies: "Guys, stop studying it and do something, will you please?"
While there is no video posted of Jack Nicklaus opining during a lengthy Memorial round one telecast visit, the disdain in his voice was evident.
As Kyle Porter notes for CBSSports.com, the tournament host put the USGA and R&A “on blast” with his latest comments imploring action sooner than later.
"The golf ball is a very simple thing to fix and I've been preaching about it for ... 43 years I first went to the USGA," Nicklaus said in the Golf Channel booth during the first round of the Memorial Tournament on Thursday. "I mean, that's a long time to be studying something. Guys, stop studying it and do something, will you please?"
The man is 80, he should not have to be this exasperated.
The comments stood out because Nicklaus had complimented Bryson DeChambeau for playing stellar golf after his transformation.
And the remarks came on a day when players were routine taking tee shots in places unimaginable not long ago, perhaps aided by July’s warmer weather, winds and firmer ground than the Memorial’s traditional May date. Yes, agronomy played a role, but the carry distances, start lines and overall silliness of flip wedges into long par-4’s made the issue pressing.
DeChambeau registered the most incredible of the many long tee shots:
423-yard drive. 💪
Hits approach to six feet. 🎯
Makes the putt. 🐦@b_dechambeau gets back to even par.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/b7DOnHR5oo
Which reminds me. Earlier this week following R&A Chief Martin Slumbers’ comments about putting the distance decision on hold, we have a clear verdict on the website poll on this very question of whether the governing bodies should act during the pandemic:
