The Saudi Super Golf League has made headlines over the past several months as their attempt to rival the PGA has intensified. Led by former world no. 1 Greg Norman, the rival league has picked up steam- and made the news- for its massive financial backing and offers made towards PGA players. However, there’s also a PGA legend who was made a shocking, $100 million offer by the Saudi-backed tour, as reported by CBS Sports. That legend is Jack Nicklaus.
“I was offered something in excess of $100 million by the Saudis, to do the job probably similar to the one that Greg [Norman] is doing,” Nicklaus said. “I turned it down. Once verbally, once in writing. I said, ‘Guys, I have to stay with the PGA Tour. I helped start the PGA Tour.’”
In an interview with The Fire Pit Collective, Nicklaus said that the Super Golf League offered him “something in excess of $100 million” to basically help jump start the Saudi-backed tour. The Golden Bear turned down the rival league, pledging his loyalty to the PGA Tour, which he helped start.
With former PGA players, like Norman, and current players, like Phil Mickelson, throwing away their legacies in the pursuit of money with the Super Golf League, it’s a breath of fresh air to see a larger-than-life figure such as Nicklaus turn them down for the PGA.
Nicklaus, who has won the most majors in the history of the sport, clearly wasn’t about to throw it all away, even for $100 million.
