Nicklaus Aide Retires

Larry O’Brien, who provided advice and friendship to Jack Nicklaus for most of his career, will retire at the end of the year after working with Golden Bear International for 26 years.

O’Brien, 75, started as a newspaper man in Montreal, and later while doing baseball on the radio for the minor league Montreal Royals also pitched batting practice to a team that included Jackie Robinson.

But it was O’Brien’s association as a public relations man for Nicklaus that marked his career.

Fred Couples, the Skins Game leading money winner, has withdrawn from this weekend’s competition because of the serious illness of his father.

Couples will be replaced by David Duval, who will join Tiger Woods, Tom Lehman and Mark O’Meara in the 15th annual event at Rancho La Quinta Country Club on Saturday and Sunday.