Nicklaus believes Muirfield will ‘come around’

7:37 PM ET

Jack Nicklaus, left, hands the Memorial Tournament trophy to 2015 champion David Lingmerth. The hardware includes a likeness of the Claret Jug, making a connection to Muirfield, where Nicklaus won his first Open in 1966. Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

DUBLIN, Ohio — Jack Nicklaus’ dream course in Ohio is named after the one in Scotland that just lost its place in The Open rotation because it refuses to admit women members.

The Golden Bear believes the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers — as the club located at Muirfield in Gullane, Scotland is formally known — will change its mind.

“If that’s what they wish to do, they won’t have tournaments,” said Nicklaus on Tuesday at Muirfield Village Golf Club, where the Memorial Tournament begins on Thursday.

“Augusta (National and the Masters) had to get with the modern age; St. Andrews (the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, whose business spin-off, the R&A, runs The Open) had to get with the modern age. Their membership may decide that’s not what they want.

“I think Muirfield has been too much a part of the fabric of the game of golf for so many years that they’ll come around. I can’t believe they wouldn’t. I think they want to be part of what …

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