Image via watoday.com.au

Yep, it’s the week of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, which means it’s that time again! — the “mandatory” players’ meeting historically takes place on-site on Tuesday evening. Longtime WUP readers know that I have fervidly covered the annual event, though it’s always been from NYC or Florida. See here, here, and here.

Well, I’m actually on-site this time, where the vibe at the golf course has been energetic and spirited.

Although it’s the fourth event on the PGA Tour calendar — and no offense to the first three, which I’ve covered with love for the past three years and enjoy thoroughly — but this feels more like the start of the season. Maybe because most of the “big names are in the field, like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. (I know others will argue it doesn’t start until the Masters.) But I digress.

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Jack's the best

Somehow I’d managed to miss my previous opportunities to attend a press conference with Jack Nicklaus. I remember last year here (at the Honda Classic) I was super pumped for the chance and then super disappointed because I got caught up in casual chat an interview, forgot or something else stupid silly less important. Same thing at the Memorial. Well, not this time at PGA National! — and it was just as enjoyable and engaging (with comical moments).

After the official presser, which was streamed live online, Jack held court to a group of us that had gathered around to listen to his analysis and opinions — he was like Santa Claus or a grandpa with all the little kids entranced in him telling the great story ever — where he shared some of the more intriguing bits. His PR guy kept trying to break to end it (because it’s his job to be a pest and they had other commitments), but Jack ignored him or would make a comment (not meant to be amusing per se but caused bursts of laughter) that meant “whatever, I don’t care, I’m going to do what I feel like doing.” (something that you rarely see when it comes to dealing with us annoying, nosy media people).

Without further ado, here are the highlights, along with his comments that can’t be found in the transcript…Oh, if you’re not an ultra-golf geek and don’t care about super-golfy stuff, like bifurcation — I’m sure some of you guys are thinking, “What the hell does that even mean — then I’d scroll down until you see “BONUS” section.

You’re welcome. (continue reading…)