Ad Disclosure
Jack Nicklaus takes a jab at Michigan during Memorial Tournament presser
Published:
It’s been a long time since Jack Nicklaus was a student-athlete at Ohio State University, but the legendary golfer and all-time leader in major championships hasn’t forgotten the rivalry with Michigan.
This week, Nicklaus took the podium to meet with reporters ahead of the 46th annual Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club, a course located not far from the Ohio State campus. As a former Buckeye, Nicklaus was asked a few questions about the opportunities he had in Columbus.
“I think I was blessed to be able to be a Buckeye,” said Nicklaus.. “I think I was very lucky to grow up in Columbus, Ohio, grew up at a great golf course like Scioto (Country Club), had the opportunity to play at a great university like The Ohio State University and play the Scarlet course, which is a wonderful golf course.”
Nicklaus’ talk about Ohio State didn’t end there.
The golf legend was also asked about the Rocket Mortgage Classic, a new PGA Tour event that will be played in Detroit this year, and he couldn’t help but take a shot at the state of Michigan.
“Me, from Ohio State, the importance of what goes on in Michigan?” Nicklaus said. “I didn’t know anything important went on in Michigan.”
After that response, Nicklaus also said that he’s a Michigan fan almost every week of the college football season. The reason? He wants the Buckeyes to spoil a perfect season for the Wolverines.
“It may sound funny to you being an Ohio State guy, but I’m really a big Michigan fan,” Nicklaus said. “I’m a Michigan fan about 11 weeks a year. I want them to come in undefeated.”
Nicklaus has enjoyed the outcome of The Game quite a bit, recently. The Buckeyes have won seven-straight in the head-to-head series. Although Michigan hasn’t been undefeated entering the final game, Ohio State has ended the Wolverines’ hopes of a B1G title and a College Football Playoff berth in two of the last three years.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB