A Bad Back Knocks Nicklaus Way Off Course

Golf is providing Jack Nicklaus with far more pain than pleasure these days.

Nicklaus, 62, who was at the Riviera driving range Wednesday to check out his son’s swing, has been so bothered by back pain lately the mere thought of competing leaves him wincing. The problem stems from arthritis and disk troubles, he said.

“[My back] has gradually gotten worse, and it hasn’t been any fun to play,” he said.

Since competing in the Senior British Open in July, Nicklaus has played in just three made-for-TV events and has withdrawn from three others, including the MasterCard Championships.

He recently joined Augusta National--he and Arnold Palmer are the only Masters winners to become full-fledged members--although his back problems have dampened the experience.

“I’ve gotten out there once,” he said. “I played from the members’ tees and shot 80. That’s not a heck of a lot of fun.”

Nicklaus made the trip to California to meet with San Diego’s Pete Escogue, his longtime back specialist, and drove north at the behest of his son, Gary, who will play in the Nissan Open, provided someone pulls out. As of Wednesday, he was the first alternate.

“Gary called and said, ‘Hey, Dad, will you come up here and help me?’” said Nicklaus, who has been working closely with his son for the past year.

Jack watched Gary hit a few buckets of balls, then stepped away when he moved to the chipping area. “He doesn’t need me there,” he explained. “That’s one place where he’s 1,000% better than I am.”

After finishing 169th on the money list last year, Gary Nicklaus returned to qualifying school and was able to retain his PGA Tour card for the 2002 season. He finished second at the BellSouth Classic in 2000. His best finish last year was a tie for 15th in the Memorial. Most recently, he missed cuts at Palm Springs, Pebble Beach and La Jolla.

“I enjoy watching him play,” his father said. “I don’t enjoy watching him play poorly, just like he doesn’t enjoy playing poorly.”

Lately, Gary has struggled with his putting.

“Then the obvious happens,” Jack said. “You start struggling with not being able to get the ball in the hole and make a score. Then your swing starts suffering.”

Although he enjoys helping his son, Nicklaus would love the luxury of working on his own game. His back problems won’t allow him to do that though, and he cannot confidently say he will be ready to play in his 43rd Masters in April.

“I’ve got a mess back there,” he said, motioning to his back. “I’ve sent it away to a few doctors. Some say operate, others say don’t. Obviously, I’m going to go with the non-operation first before I go in the other direction.”