The Tiger Woods-Jack Nicklaus debate has long been a polarising discourse within professional golf. Who exactly is the best of all time?
Many believe what Woods accomplished during the 2000s was unlike anything seen on a golf course before. Yet, some will highlight Nicklaus’ 18 major championships.
Objectively, it’s hard to look past the Golden Bear’s tally. However, most of the game’s current crop of elite players took up the sport because of Woods. Bryson DeChambeau believes Woods is the GOAT and John Daly can’t separate the two all-time greats.
The consistent argument that emerges when discussing Woods and Nicklaus centres around major championships. Had Tiger not been impacted by injuries and personal issues, there is every chance he would have matched Nicklaus’ record.
And back in 1997, Arnold Palmer felt Woods had an excellent chance of emulating Nicklaus’ career.
What Arnold Palmer said about Tiger Woods in 1997
Speaking to CNN, Palmer initially highlighted the magnitude of Nicklaus’ major championship record.
“I think that record speaks for itself,” Palmer said. “It is one that is going to take someone that really has it all together. I don’t think anyone will ever beat it, but there is a guy coming along who might have a chance at it!”
Discussing Woods’ potential, Palmer added: “Well, one of the young pros on the Tour said to me a week or two ago, and I have talked to Tiger Woods a number of times, and I think he is a terrific young man. But I asked one of the pros who had played with him on the Tour, tell me about Tiger Woods how long can he really hit the golf ball.”
“Is he as long as they say he is? I had played with him in practice rounds, but really, in competition, tell me just how long he is. He looked at me as serious as he could look at me and said ‘well Mr Palmer, he is just as long as he wants to be’. Now you think about that. Here is a guy competing with him telling me that Tiger Woods can hit it as far as he needs to hit it for the situation.”
Three times Tiger Woods nearly won a major championship
When Woods calls time on his career, he will undoubtedly look back at 2018 with a tinge of regret.
Woods was firmly in contention at the 2018 Open and led during the final round. However, the former world number one struggled coming down the stretch at Carnoustie and eventually finished three shots back of eventual winner Francesco Molinari.
Had Woods shown his usual razor-sharp focus, there’s every chance another major would have been added to his collection.
The same year, Woods also mounted a final-round charge at the PGA Championship. After carding six under on day four, Woods finished two strokes back of Brooks Koepka at Bellerive Country Club.
Another close call came at the 2013 Masters when Woods finished four shots back of Angel Cabrera and Adam Scott. The former world number one was left to rue a second-round 73 at Augusta National.
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