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Jack Nicklaus is no stranger to a split in men’s professional golf.

Back in 1968, the Golden Bear lead the breakaway from the PGA of America alongside Arnold Palmer and helped establish the PGA Tour.

But never before has there been as much disruption and fierce division in the elite game as there is right now, as the traditional tours aim to find a resolution with the Saudi sovereign wealth fund which bankrolls LIV Golf.

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Nicklaus points out that his own idea to change the sport’s landscape was ‘in the best interests of the game.’

“The PGA of America is who we separated from, but when we formed the Policy Board we had three PGA of America executives on the board so they had a big say in things,” the 18-time major champion told the Golf Channel at The PLAYERS.

“We didn’t want to break away from them as the game, we just felt that players should control their own destiny, and they have been now for the last 56 years.”

The long-term future of both the PGA Tour and LIV is shrouded in uncertainty, but Nicklaus is adamant that the best players in the world should be competing together in more than just the four majors.

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“We’ve got a few issues we’ve got to clean up right now,” the 84-year-old added. “But I would always like to see the best players in the world play together.

“They do at the Major championships right now to a certain degree, a few of the LIV players go there but not very many as only the ones who’ve qualified for them get in.

“I think the PGA Tour’s schedule is fantastic. Now being able to play the signature tournaments but also the tournament they’re building in between, they’re building new stars, giving new people the opportunity to move up in the rankings.

“I think the PGA structure is pretty darn good right now.”