Open Championship legend Jack Nicklaus has told Saudi LIV Golf Series rebels that he doesn’t approve of their breakaway tour.
The 18-times Major winner returned to the Old Course on Monday at St Andrews and insisted he is not a fan of the £1.2bn new competition that has pitched golf into a bitter civil war.
LIV Series players are set to star at the Open despite being banned by the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, with legal arguments pending.
They include Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Ian Poulter, who will challenge for the Claret Jug despite banking tens of millions in signing on fees for the 54 hole events.
LIV chief Greg Norman, who won the Open in 1986 and 1993, has been barred by the R&A from taking part in the Celebration of Champions four-hole challenge on Monday because he would be an “unwanted distraction”.
Asked about Norman’s ban, Nicklaus revealed his latest position on LIV and the way top stars have been prized away from the two biggest golf tours in the world.
In a cutting put down, Nicklaus, 82, said: “Let me just sum this up with a couple of words. First of all, Greg Norman is an icon in the game of golf.
“He's a great player. We've been friends for a long time, and regardless of what happens, he's going to remain a friend.
“Unfortunately, he and I just don't see eye to eye on what's going on. I'll basically leave it at that.”
Nicklaus was approached by LIV Golf Investments about taking a lead role in the project and reportedly offered £100m. He ultimately turned the role down, but Norman insists Nicklaus was considering the proposal.
In June Norman blasted: “Jack’s a hypocrite. I’m thinking: Jack must have a short memory. “Quote-unquote, he said: “This is good for our game. If it’s good for the game of golf, it’s good by me."
"So you want the facts? You’ve got the facts. Know what you said before you open your mouth."’
In a bizarre twist Nicklaus is being sued in New York by Nicklaus Companies in part for “wrongful conduct” regarding negotiations with the PIF Saudi Investment Fund which could damage the reputation of the firm that carries his name.
Nicklaus won the Open twice at St Andrews and will become an honorary citizen of the town this week.
