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Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus Rips PGA Tour Broadcast Decision

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 31, 2025 11:43 AM ET

Jack Nicklaus is in Ohio this weekend to watch the top players on the PGA Tour compete in the Memorial Tournament. During Friday's second round, he unleashed an epic rant about the current state of the sport.

Nicklaus, the founder of the Memorial Tournament, made an appearance on Golf Channel shortly after Ben Griffin had a mid-round interview. The 29-year-old from North Carolina is currently tied at the top of the leaderboard at 7-under-par through two rounds.

Griffin was unable to create any separation during Friday's round, whereas Nick Taylor and Akshay Bhatia gained a few strokes. Nonetheless, he was still willing to chat with Golf Channel reporter Rex Hoggard on the course.

Once that interview wrapped up, Nicklaus shared his true feelings on mid-round interviews.

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 08: Jack Nicklaus looks on from the gallery as he watches his son, Gary Nicklaus (not pictured), play during the first round of the Oasis Championship at The Old Course at Broken Sound on February 08, 2019 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Nicklaus, 85, slammed the PGA Tour for having mid-round interviews at just about every tournament. He believes it's incredibly distracting for the players.

"I can’t stand that, the interview on the golf course," Nicklaus said. "Can’t stand that. Let me tell you how I think. Seriously, this is a guy that is leading the golf tournament. He is sitting on the edge of the rough, very difficult shot on a very difficult hole. And you are talking to him about stuff that totally takes his mind off what he is 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 with it."

Nicklaus probably isn't the only golfer who feels this way. At the end of the day though, it's considered content for the PGA Tour.

The Memorial Tournament will continue this Saturday on CBS.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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