Jack Nicklaus was one of the most celebrated golfers of his era. The ‘Golden Bear’ won several accolades that etched his name in golf’s most coveted records. But for all his efforts, the 83-year-old wasn’t paid as handsomely as the current pros are. Did that thought ever cross the mind of the former golfer?

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Jack Nicklaus opens up about the vast contrast in prize money

The legendary golfer was the guest of honor in Sir Nick Faldo’s latest podcast, Sir Nick’s Round Table Chats. Among the surreal winners, the pair talked about a host of topics and salvaged memories from the past century.

Read more: “Probably the Best”: Despite Popular Opinions, Jack Nicklaus Once Gave Donald Trump’s Golfing Skill a High Order of Appreciation

But since the inception of the LIV Golf Series, questions about the steep increase in prize money were bound to follow. The arrival of the cash-rich, rebel league has forced other tours to increase their own purses, which has resulted in ground-breaking earnings for present golfers.

With so much money in play, is Nicklaus feeling itchy about his situation? When asked, Nicklaus made himself abundantly clear. “I don’t really care, Nick,” she said straight off the bat.

How does Nicklaus value LIV defectors?

In continuation to the segment, Nicklaus was asked about his opinion on LIV golfers who switched sides on lucrative contracts. “I don’t fault the guys,” he said. But, he claimed that the system of the LIV Golf Series was a source of concern, for which Nicklaus explained the hierarchy of the golf system in the USA.

“We start out with Junior golf high school, golf college, amateur golf, secondary tour worked to the main tour. There’s a loyalty factor going all the way out, and you’ve earned your way through the competition to get there,” he said.

He explained that with LIV Golf, the same system doesn’t prepare to make loyal golfers. Nicklaus wasn’t happy with the subsequent steps, either. “I don’t think it’s been good for the game of golf,” he said. “I think the PGA Tour was forced to react and up their purses in a way that they ultimately would have gotten there anyway.”

“I don’t like the way we’ve really automatically created a secondary tour within the main tour. We’ve actually created another layer,” he further added.

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