In the golf world, Jack Nicklaus’ steady perspective has become one that fans trust. In the wake of a coronavirus outbreak that has turned the sports world upside down, Nicklaus sent a message through social media on Sunday that was part Public Service Announcement and part reassurance.
In the video, which lasts just under a minute and a half and was shared on Florida Senator Rick Scott’s social media accounts, Nicklaus sits at a desk and speaks directly to the camera as he addresses a tumultuous few days of cancellations and health concerns.
“The last week or so has been an incredibly confusing time,” he begins after introducing himself.
At 80, Nicklaus is, as he admits, among the at-risk population of seniors. He acknowledges that as he urges listeners to be safe and most of all, be smart.
“Many of you kids, you’re going to a lot of places that may bring that home to a senior citizen. I don’t think that’s what you want to do,” Nicklaus said.
“Let’s all make sure we wash our hands, let’s make sure we’re very smart about where we go and when we go, let’s try to stay away from public places, let’s just be smart. Americans have always been smart and Americans have always gotten through these things and we’ll get through this one.”
My friend @jacknicklaus wanted to share an important message: we need to be smart, be safe, be careful where we go. DON’T TAKE A CHANCE.
Our seniors are the most vulnerable population, but young people can get infected and spread the virus. #CoronaVirusUpdates pic.twitter.com/gcrV6rNtRQ
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) March 15, 2020
The past three days have included multiple sports cancellations, and in the golf world that meant the cancellation of four regular-season PGA Tour events in addition to the postponement of the Masters. After that news broke, Nicklaus was a call-in guest on ESPN’s SportsCenter. He praised Augusta National Golf Club for its decision regarding the tournament.
Nicklaus also said on ESPN that had the Masters gone on as planned next month, he’s not sure he would have attended.
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