What Jack Nicklaus urged Tiger Woods to do on the PGA Tour in 2023 but he refused

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Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods will forever remain golfing legends, with both continuing to have a major impact on the sport.

Keegan Bradley has talked with Woods about the upcoming Ryder Cup, at which the former will captain the US team.

Woods could replace Bradley as Ryder Cup captain, after the current incumbent put himself in contention for a playing role following his win at the Travelers Championship.

The event at TPC River Highlands was the latest on the PGA Tour, with the schedule now continuing with the Rocket Classic.

Bradley is among the field at Detroit Golf Club, along with the likes of Collin Morikawa and Hideki Matsuyama.

What Tiger Woods refused to do despite advice from Jack Nicklaus

But Woods remains absent from the PGA Tour, having undergone achilles tendon surgery earlier this year.

His constant injury issues were part of a discussion between fellow icons Nicklaus and Nick Faldo back in March 2023, in which the American revealed insight into a conversation he had with Woods about those issues.

READ MORE: What Jack Nicklaus told Tony Jacklin after conceding putt to him on the last hole at the Ryder Cup in iconic moment

Nicklaus said on Sir Nick Faldo’s YouTube channel two years ago: “I don’t think he’s ever going to really play. He is going to play the majors. He actually can still hit the ball pretty well but he can’t walk.

“I said Tiger you are eligible to take a cart. He says I am not going to do that. He says when I get to the seniors’ tour I will.

“He wants to play the seniors’ tour. He is a competitor! That is what I love about Tiger. He’s a competitor, he loves competition.”

Tiger Woods could make simple change that golf fans would love

Woods has enjoyed an unforgettable career on the PGA Tour, but it has unfortunately been blighted by injury in recent years.

He hasn’t made a single appearance this season, and was limited to just five starts in 2024, one of which he withdrew after one round.

READ MORE: Jack Nicklaus says what would have happened to his career had he not won the US Open at Oakmont in 1962

It remains to be seen when the legend can make a return to the course for competitive action, with fans undoubtedly wanting that to happen sooner rather than later.

But it looks like Woods will only return when he can walk comfortably from tee to tee, with his stance on a cart having seemingly not changed since 2023.

That is really unfortunate for fans and for the game in general, which is undoubtedly better when the 15-time major champion is involved.

It seems that a simple acceptance of using a cart would bring him back into the fold, but stubbornness is understandable, and his stance must be respected.