DUBLIN, Ohio – Jack Nicklaus told CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz during the broadcast of the final round of the Memorial on Sunday that he and his wife, Barbara, tested positive for COVID-19.
Nicklaus said he and his wife were isolated at their South Florida home from March 13 to April 20 and have since tested positive for the coronavirus antibody.
Barbara was asymptomatic and had a sore throat and cough. It didn’t last long, and we were very, very lucky, very lucky, ”Nicklaus said during the broadcast of the final round of the Memorial on Sunday. “Barbara and I are at risk age.
“Our hearts go out to the people who lost their lives and their families. We were only a couple of the lucky ones, so we feel very strong working with those who care for those with COVID-19. ”
Jack and Barbara: Nicklaus tested positive on COVID-19 in March
Earlier this week, Nicklaus said he hoped to continue the tradition of shaking hands with each year’s Memorial winner, but on Sunday he clarified his thoughts.
“They asked me if I was going to shake hands on the 18th green with the winner. Well, if the winner wants to shake hands, that’s fine. [But] I won’t put it in position, ”said Nicklaus.
After his round at Muirfield Village, Tiger Woods said he knew Nicklaus and his wife had contracted the virus.
“The fact that they’ve gotten through it and are safe and here and healthy is good news for all of us who are a part of golf and who admire Jack and have been close to Barbara all these years,” Woods said. “The fact that they are healthy is nothing but positive.”
