A golfing lesson from Nicklaus

IT IS, perhaps, an indictment to our sad ignorance that we need to be reminded that so much of what we have is owed to those who came before us.

That is what sits at the heart of the Masters and the magic it produces. Upon a foundation of storied tradition and sacred ritual, the Masters is about to unfold for the 74th time, but before we get too wrapped up in golfers we sometimes promote like they invented the game, it is nice to be offered proof that the good old days, in some cases, were just that.

For example, Jack Nicklaus.

Golf’s most accomplished champion – a six-time Masters winner – is also saturated in dignity and character, which is why he was in front of reporters on the eve of this major championship. As always, Nicklaus moved comfortably between reminisces of yesteryear and thoughts on today’s game.

And as always, his thoughts carried great significance, even more so in light of the saga that is Tiger Woods, a man whose talents are unquestioned, even as his character sinks lower.

“I fully expected to see him here,” Nicklaus said, repeating his thoughts of weeks ago. Back then, Nicklaus had rejected suggestions that Woods would skip the Masters, maybe golf for all of 2010.

Nonsense, Nicklaus reasoned. Woods, he said, is a golfer.

“He’s here to play golf. That’s what he is. He’s a very good golfer.”

But perhaps not such a great role model?

Nicklaus did what he rarely does – he took a pass. “I think I’ll stay away from that,” said the 18-time major championship winner.

It is now the 24th anniversary of Nicklaus’ final major, the unforgettable 1986 Masters, when at the age of 46 the Golden Bear came home in 30 to shoot 65 and leave the sports world speechless. Long since having come to grips with the fact he’ll never compete in this game again (“my 95mph clubhead speed just won’t cut it anymore,” he joked), the 70-year-old icon is still very much a part of this game and a key element to this tournament. He will, in fact, help get the proceedings under way this morning when he joins fellow legend Arnold Palmer by delivering the opening tee shots.

Yes, he is happy to be doing so, even if for several years he rejected the notion of being a ceremonial starter.

“Arnold asked me if I’d do that, be part of it,” Nicklaus said. “I thought it would be a nice thing to do. So, I’m here. Looking forward to it.”

Not a person in attendance would not wish for the years to be turned back and a competitive Nicklaus to follow that drive down the first fairway and for a crisp approach to be delivered onto the first green.

But, no.

“I don’t think I’d be allowed to,” Nicklaus said, smiling. “The only thing good about that is, I don’t have to go chase it.”

A sad thought, for sure, but it’s further proof that time waits for no one. Yet Nicklaus is still relevant, and his thoughts, his observations, and his love of the game help shape so much of what plays out in front of us.

It is a stature he has earned, not so much through his golf skills as his impeccable character. It is a place where Woods someday may land, though he seems to have a long way to go – if you believe words spoken by Augusta National chairman Billy Payne.

“Our hero,” Payne said, “did not live up to the expectations of the role model we saw for our children. He disappointed all of us.”

The chairman was admonishing Woods. “I hope he now realises that every kid he passes on the course wants his swing, but would settle for his smile. I hope he can come to understand that life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who bring joy to the lives of other people.”

Nicklaus fits the bill, but not yet Woods, and perhaps never will. That may seem a stunning thought, but it takes the Masters to remind us it’s not.