Nicklaus on Asian Golf, Equipment and Tiger

Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus recently surfaced in Kuala Lumpur, and the 69-year-old gave some surprising thoughts on golf in Asia, new equipment, and Tiger Woods.  Nicklaus believes the balance of power in golf is shifting to Asia, and that one day Chinese players will come to dominate the sport.  This comes on the heels of Asia’s first major champion, Y.E. Yang of South Korea, who earlier this year defeated Tiger Woods to capture the PGA Championship.  He bases his ideas on the lessened effects of the recession in Asian countries, specifically China, and golf’s presence in the 2016 Olympics as factors in place to boost course construction overseas.

Jack Nicklaus (Image: Zuma Press)

Nicklaus, who now plays more tennis than golf, was once a firm believer that rule changes to equipment should be avoided.  He’s changed his stance on that point, and is glad the golfing powers-that-be avoided a battle they could not win.

And his thoughts on Tiger Woods breaking his majors record?  Nicklaus thinks Woods will pass him in two to three years.