Nicklaus Says Back Is Feeling Better, Plans to Play in Skins Game, Australia

Surgery remains a possibility, but Jack Nicklaus said Tuesday he fully expects to extend his competitive golf career.

“Right now, my back is the best it’s been in a long time,” Nicklaus said. “If I continue to feel the way I feel now, I see no reason not to fulfill my commitment to play in the Skins Game this weekend at La Quinta, Calif., and in Australia next month,” he said.

Nicklaus also said he expects to play about 17 tournaments around the world next year.

The back problems that threatened Nicklaus’ playing career continue to be kept in check by a series of cortisone shots he received about 10 days ago.

The relief from the procedure, known as a facet block, “may last a week. It may last 2 weeks. It may last 6 months. It may last 9 months,” he said. And, he added, it is possible that the procedure can be repeated.

“Ultimately, my doctors tell me, I probably will have to have surgery,” he said. “ But I don’t want to have it done until I have to. “Right now, I don’t feel I have to have it done.”