The Masters prediction Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer made about Tiger Woods which they got very wrong

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One of the most impressive things about Tiger Woods was how he dealt with the unbelievably high expectations which followed him from the earliest stages of his career, with many quickly tipping him for unprecedented greatness.

The buzz surrounding Tiger Woods seemed to be like nothing else the game has seen. And yet, Woods found a way to completely surpass expectations and completely change the game.

Well, perhaps not all expectations.

The prediction Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer made about Tiger Woods at the Masters

Speaking in 1996, Jack Nicklaus was talking about Woods after playing a practice round with him and Arnold Palmer. Of course, you would imagine that the experience would have been an unbelievable one for the amateur, with Nicklaus and Palmer boasting 10 Masters titles between them.

Remarkably, the Golden Bear was convinced that Woods would not only eclipse his tally, but had every chance of going well into double figures at Augusta National.

“Both Arnold and I agree that you could take my Masters and his Masters and add them together and this kid should win more than that,” he said.

“This kid is the most fundamentally sound golfer I’ve ever seen at any age,” Nicklaus said. “I don’t know if he’s ready to win yet or not, but he will be the favorite here for the next 20 years. If he isn’t, there’s something wrong.”

How Woods has performed at the Masters over the years

Woods would, of course, make history in 1997. His first major title would come in some style, with Woods finishing 12 shots clear of anyone else at Augusta National. It remains the largest winning margin in the event’s history.

Meanwhile, he would have three green jackets under his belt by the end of 2002. But few would have ever believed, had they been told in 2005, that win number five would come 14 years later – while it would be Woods’ first major in more than a decade.

Woods has won the Masters more often than Palmer, but he remains one behind Nicklaus. And based on how he performed in 2024, you would imagine that he is highly unlikely to add to that tally further.

However, 2019 reminded everyone how dangerous it can be to write Woods off. So if his body does decide to give him a break, perhaps there are still some amazing moments yet to come.