Jack Nicklaus Gets Blunt: 'Ben Hogan Would Knock Your Teeth Out'

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Jack Nicklaus did not hold back when expressing his dislike for walk-and-talk interviews during golf rounds. During the second round of the Memorial Tournament, the 18-time major champion addressed the issue and made his opinion perfectly clear.
As you may recall, the PGA Tour and its broadcast partners have increased mid-round on-course interviews as a strategy to boost fan engagement. However, they aren't succeeding with Nicklaus.
The legendary player explained his point of view in his usual manner, drawing on his extensive experience.
"I can't stand that, the interview on the golf course. Let me tell you how I think, how I feel," Nicklaus said, according to Sports Illustrated.
"I mean, seriously, here's a guy who's leading the golf tournament, he's just hit the edge of the rough, he's got a very difficult shot on a very difficult hole, and you're talking to him about stuff that totally takes his mind off of what he was doing."
Memorial Tournament host Jack Nicklaus speaks with the media prior to the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 27, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio.
Memorial Tournament host Jack Nicklaus speaks with the media prior to the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 27, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio.Having had a very long and successful career, Nicklaus did not lack an example from golf history to reinforce his criteria.
"How would you think [Ben] Hogan would respond to that question? You would not have any teeth left if you did. He'd hit you right in the face with it."
As you might expect, Nicklaus did not choose Ben Hogan as his example lightly. Hogan was known for his intense focus, privacy, and aloofness. He was also a perfectionist who demanded excellence from himself and those around him.
However, it should be noted that this was his behavior during tournaments. His close friends and colleagues often described him as loyal, deeply thoughtful, and warm in his own way—just not overly expressive.
It's also fair to say that Nicklaus is unhappy with walk-and-talk interviews but not with the golf media in general. In fact, ahead of the Memorial Tournament, he voiced his strong opinions about players who avoid post-round interviews:
"I've always felt that you guys [the press] have a job to do -- and gals -- and for you to do your job you need to talk to me," Nicklaus said. "And whether I played well or whether I played poorly, if you still want to talk to me, I'll talk to you. And I always have."
Jack Nicklaus is one of the most respected voices in golf, largely due to his extraordinary success as a player. However, he has also made a significant impact in other fields, including event planning and golf course design.
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