Greatest Golfer of All Time Jack Nicklaus Speaks Out on Tiger Woods' Trump Comments
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus is publicly backing Tiger Woods for Woods’ comments regarding the office of the president.
Earlier this week, Woods was asked to describe his relationship with President Donald Trump and the golfer gave his honest opinion.
“I’ve known Donald for a number of years,” Woods said. “We’ve played golf together. We’ve had dinner together. I’ve known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency.”
Woods was then asked a follow-up question about Trump’s immigration policies and what he would say to people who wonder why he has a friendly relationship with him.
“Well, he’s the president of the United States. You have to respect the office. No matter who is in the office, you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office.”
Woods received backlash from some in the media — including ESPN’s Max Kellerman — for not criticizing the president, but Jack Nicklaus isn’t among that group. The 18-time majors winner appeared on Fox News Wednesday where he supported Woods’ comments.
Jack Nicklaus: “No matter who’s president, whether it was Barack Obama or Donald Trump, I think you respect the office.” pic.twitter.com/qKVlBMzzfr
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 29, 2018
“I thought Tiger handled it very well,” Nicklaus said. “No matter who’s president, whether it was Barack Obama or Donald Trump, I think you respect the office. And I’m much in Tiger’s camp on that.”
In interview on the Golf Channel, Nicklaus expanded on that.
“I couldn’t have agreed with Tiger more. Whether it’s Barack Obama or Donald Trump in the office of the president, you respect the office,” said Nicklaus, a vocal Trump supporter.
“My political views might be different from somebody else’s political views, but it doesn’t make any difference. The office of the president is the head of the greatest country in the world.
“I think Tiger was very appropriate with what he said.”
When he made the remarks Sunday, Woods had just completed the Northern Trust tournament where he finished 1-under and tied for 40th. He’s played in 15 events this year as he continues his comeback from his fourth back surgery last year.
Nicklaus was also asked about Woods’ recent return which has included five top-10 finishes but no victories.
“I think Tiger’s swing actually looks to be better than it’s ever been,” he told the Golf Channel. “His fusion in his back has not allowed him to dip down like he used to. He’s staying pretty much on top of the ball and I think he’s been very level, which has always, to my opinion, been one of Tiger’s problems.”
Nicklaus also added that he considers Woods a good friend and that he wishes him well.
It once seemed a foregone conclusion that Woods would surpass Nicklaus’ 18 major championships, but Woods has been stuck on 14 since 2008.
Nicklaus said that despite the physical issues Woods has dealt with, it’s conquering the mental side of the game that allows golfers to break through and win tournaments.
“Probably the 5 inches between his ears, that’s usually the toughest part for all of us,” Nicklaus said. “Believing that you can do it yourself. He’s gotten himself in position, but he hasn’t quite gotten there, and I think he will get there because he’s too good not to.”
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