Nicklaus: Woods will play Memorial

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jack Nicklaus takes Tiger Woods at his word that the former world's No. 1 golfer will play the Memorial Tournament on June 4-7 at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Nicklaus said Woods told him two weeks ago at the Masters that he would compete in Dublin. Masters champion Jordan Spieth also is expected to tee it up.

"(Tiger) says, 'See you in May. I'll be at the Memorial,' " Nicklaus said today at the Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide fundraiser at the Ohio Union. "So that's nice to have Tiger back."

Woods, a five-time winner of the Memorial, last played the tournament in 2013, when he finished 65th.

After a nine-week layoff to work on shaky chipping, Woods tied for 17th at the Masters. He has not played since and has given no timetable when he will tee it up again.

Nicklaus also heard from Spieth that he will play the Memorial.

"Jordan Spieth said he's going to be here. Most of the guys are going to be here," Nicklaus said.

Woods and Nicklaus chatted about family and golf form during their visit at Augusta National Golf Club.

"It's as much conversation as I've ever had with Tiger. ... He's been struggling. We talked a little about that, but we talked more about his kids and events that are going on and what he's been doing with his preparation," Nicklaus said. "I've said many times, 'He'll be fine.'"

This article was written by Rob Oller from The Columbus Dispatch and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.