Nicklaus plays on despite mothers death

Jack Nicklaus was on the fourth hole when he got the grim news. He had been expecting it since Monday, when his mother told him she was ready to die after a lengthy illness.

At the age of 90, Helen Nicklaus had one last wish -- that her death not interfere with a big moment in her son's career.

Nicklaus said today he would respect his mother's desires and play in the PGA Championship, the final major in the final season he plans to play all four of golf's major tournaments.

``Her greatest fear in the last year or so was that she would pass away during one of golf's major events,'' Nicklaus said ``I know her wish would be for me to stay here and play. I certainly would not want to not fulfill her last wishes, so I have decided to remain here and play in the PGA Championship.''

Nicklaus walked off the course Wednesday after being informed of his mother's death following a two-year illness. He went into the clubhouse and received condolences, while trying to gather his thoughts.

Later, he skipped a previously scheduled press conference but sent word through Jim Awtrey, chief executive officer of the PGA, that he not only would play Thursday but would attend a PGA dinner Wednesday night to receive the organization's Distinguished Service Award.

Nicklaus said in a statement that he planned to fly to Columbus, Ohio, after Thursday's round to be with family members, and return to Louisville before his Friday afternoon round.

Nicklaus visited his mother in Columbus on Monday, and she told him that she was prepared for death.

``Given what she had been through, he felt that that was a blessing,'' Awtrey said.

The exact cause of death, and the nature of Mrs. Nicklaus' illness, were not released. She would have been 91 on Monday.

His mother's death came as Nicklaus was preparing for his last PGA Championship, on a course he designed.

Nicklaus has said this will be the last year he plays all four majors. He has played 159 major pro championships, winning a record 18.

He is scheduled to tee off at 9:13 a.m. Thursday with Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. His Friday tee time is at 1:25 p.m.

``If it was a normal golf tournament, he would have pulled out without thinking about it,'' Singh said. ``It is a difficult choice to make.''

Ernie Els said he wouldn't have blamed Nicklaus had he pulled out.

``He's done his duty to himself, and his time is his time,'' Els said. ``If he wants to play, he plays. If he doesn't, he doesn't have to prove a thing.''

Jack Nicklaus says farewell to the Open in 2000. Allsport.

Nick Price said that the final wish of Helen Nicklaus``shows how tight his family is and that his mother knew all along how much golf meant to him.''

Funeral arrangements will be handled by the Northwest Chapel of the Schoedinger Funeral Service in Columbus, said Matt Jones, a funeral director there. The arrangements were not complete but a memorial service will be held Monday.

Nicklaus' father, Charley, died in 1970. Besides her son, Helen Nicklaus is survived by a daughter, Marilyn.

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