Jack Nicklaus aims brutal dig at Phil Mickelson with Tiger Woods comparison

By ERIC BLUM

Jack Nicklaus has taken aim at Phil Mickelson at the Masters, with a brutal comparison to lefty’s longtime rival, Tiger Woods, citing the defection from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf. 

The 85-year-old Nicklaus is an honorary starter at this year’s golf extravaganza, while Mickelson is hoping to win his first major since 2021.

Mickelson shot a 3-over-par during the first round of the tournament on Thursday, below the projected cut line. Woods tore his Achilles last month and is out of tournaments for the foreseeable future. 

Nicklaus was quick to point out the separation between two of the best of all time besides himself. 

‘I don’t know what level Phil’s competing at. I guess he’s still playing – he’s playing the LIV tour, isn’t he? I don’t know if he’s played or not,’ Nicklaus said this week. ‘You don’t know, you don’t see it anymore.’

Mickelson left the PGA Tour by taking a reported $200million contract from the Saudi-backed league, one of the largest deals handed out. 

Jack Nicklaus has taken aim at Phil Mickelson at the Masters, with a brutal comparison

Nicklaus is an honorary starter at this year’s Masters, with Mickelson in the tournament  

Nicklaus appears to much prefer the career of Mickelson rival Tiger Woods through the years

Woods has stayed loyal to the PGA Tour despite being offered up to $800million to join LIV. 

‘I think Tiger will get well and Tiger will be back and playing,’ Nicklaus said. ‘Tiger will be 50 next year. I believe he’ll probably play the senior tour and he’ll probably dominate the senior tour.’

‘Tiger’s too much of a competitor not to play. … I don’t think Tiger will play for money. He doesn’t need money.’

Nicklaus did later state that Mickelson has ‘been a good player, no question about that.’ He decidedly praised Woods more however. 

Woods’ impact on golf, especially at the Masters is unmatched, even by Nicklaus. Mickelson joining LIV was even further proof for the living legend. 

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Jack Nicklaus aims brutal dig at Phil Mickelson with Tiger Woods comparison

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