Jack Nicklaus is to play in the championship today despite yesterday's announcement that his mother Helen died yesterday at the age of 91 after a long illness.

It was her dying wish that Nicklaus should not pull out of what could be his final appearance in the event he won a record-equalling five times.

Jim Awtrey, chief executive officer of the PGA of America, said last night: "I have just had a conversation with Jack in which he said his mother had been ill for two years. He asked me to say that she was afraid of dying at a time that would be a critical point in his career.

"Jack spent time with her on Monday before coming here (to Louisville, Kentucky) and had discussions with her. He will honour her wishes both by attending tonight's distinguished services award and by playing tomorrow."

Nicklaus, whose father died in 1969, has been paired with Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh in the first two rounds.

Nicklaus had been scheduled to give a press conference at Valhalla - one of the many courses he has designed - but in the circumstances this was cancelled to allow him to grieve.