If there’s one man in golf who knows what makes a good golf course, then it’s Jack Nicklaus.
18-time major winner Nicklaus has been there, done and seen it all, and has enough experience in the tank at 85 to offer up an informed take on most aspects of the game of golf.
This week’s Cognizant Classic has been an electric tournament so far but unfortunately, the PGA National golf course that’s hosting the event has come in for criticism.
Jake Knapp’s 59 caused golf fans to slam the PGA National, while Joel Dahmen branded the course as ‘dumb’ as the low scores flew in during round one.
Furthermore, Billy Horschel also labelled the course disappointing, despite praising Knapp’s 59.
However, bucking the trend of complaints, Jack Nicklaus has looked at it in a different way.
What Jack Nicklaus said about the PGA National course
It’s always a treat when Jack Nicklaus takes to the commentary booth in an event and he did just that during round three of the Cognizant Classic.
And when pressed on the state of the golf course, Nicklaus suggested things weren’t as bad as people were making out.
“Guys hit it further, the conditions are good, you got a benign day and guys can shoot a good score. That’s OK. I like that,” Nicklaus admitted.
“If a golf course won’t yield to good golf then I don’t think it’s a very good golf course.
“Now if you have a day like we did Thursday and 3-under is the low score then I think it’s the golf courses fault.”
The lowest scores around PGA National
The course is renowned for being tough but you only have to go back to 2024 to see that the modern day player is scoring better than ever around the PGA National.
Chris Kirk won with a 14-under overall in 2023 before Austin Eckroat bettered it at 17-under last year.
Given Jake Knapp is already at 16-under and players behind him at 15 and 14 under, it seems like we’re in for yet another record low.
Maybe, in the modern era, the PGA National just isn’t the test it once was.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
