Nicklaus Infraction

[muskegman]

SI Golf reports that Nicklaus worries about a possible rules infraction at the 1974 British Open at Royal Lytham.

Apparently something hit him in the back following an ugly bunker shot. Nicklaus feels it may have been the ball which would have cost him two strokes. A rules official assured him that it was not the ball.

I think Nicklaus is worrying over nothing, especially with an official standing by. Thoughts?

[georgep]

Well, part of me says, "you have to trust the official." But another part of me knows that if I had doubts, I would probably worry about it.

[J.P.]

Jack probably was hit by a clump of flying debris. This official knew Jack, and knew Jack would want to score this properly. There is no doubt in my mind that the official would have told him it was the ball that hit him, not debris if that was the case.

Jack has an no scoring irregularities in his career - something he should be very proud of.

[knock-down]

OT:

Did you guys see the picture in Golf Digest w/ Nicklaus taking Arnie's money? It was a pretty cool article too!

Jack & Arnie: The forgotten bet A previously unpublished photo captures their fierce yet friendly rivalry. By Dave Kindred

[billpar]

Interesting read. Does every pro have the same integrity when it comes to scoring or does it still matter since all major events are televised with scores being scrutinized very closely?

[muskegman]

I think most pros have the same integrity. Thankfully, golf has retained the value of honesty and self-accountability. Too bad other sports don't do the same.

[cmarkmyers]

Nicklaus only brought this incident up so people would go, "Look at all that integrity that man has, to be bothered by something so long ago where he clearly did nothing wrong as an official was right there..."

Why is he bringing this up now? Did it really happen? If this has been weighing on him so long why did he wait to say anything? Sorry, just a shameless act of self promotion by Jack so readers will see one more reason why he is the greatest.

Also, shame on anyone who still reads Bamberger after his 'classy' display of integrity last year.

[Baynative]

Somehow, I doubt that a possible misinterpretation by an official a half century in a tournament he didn't win is bothering Jack in the least. This hits me as a hype piece.

That said, I have tons of respect for guys like DLIII and Kurt Triplet who have lost tournaments after penalizing themselves in situations that only they were aware of.

While we're on the subject: how does everyone see rules being respected in local groups and friendly matches? The fast and loose interpretation of rules at my club has left me uninterested in the weekly competitive rounds. I am surprised at how many people will suffer the reputation of a cheat for the sake of winning a hole or shaving a stroke.

[EatDrinkSleepGolf]

Relax Jack, we ALL trust YOU.

[Rafcin]

is it just me, or worrying about a rule infraction 22 years after the fact is quite stupid? What's going on, did he not get enough headlines lately ? I don't get it.

[iacas]

Bingo Rafi, he has been out of the spotlight for a while and is missing it.

That's what I said. Jeff tries to give him the benefit of the doubt in the podcast (episode 40). Give it a listen.