Sports

‘I played against Jack Nicklaus – this is what I think about Tiger Woods GOAT debate’

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are two of the all-time greats, but who boasts the better career?

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods at the 150th Open Championship. (Image: Getty)

It’s the golf debate that can never be settled, but Gary Player hasn’t been afraid to weigh in. The South African, himself a nine-time major champion and icon of the game, has previously had his say on which icon deserves the ‘GOAT’ title for being the greatest player of all time.

For many, only two names are in the mix, and neither needs any introduction.

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, both dominant figures in their own respective eras, have 22 major titles between them and a combined total of 155 PGA Tour wins.

Dissecting those numbers further, it’s ‘The Golden Bear’ who leads the way in the major statistics, with 18 to the 15 won by Woods. Despite the latter still being intent on raging against the dying light of his career, it’s highly unlikely the gap will be breached further before he eventually does walk away.

Julian Alvarez’s future analysed as Man City exit mooted

In PGA Tour titles it’s Woods out in front at 82 to 73. But while Player, now 88, has argued that it’s impossible to crown a clear winner given how vastly the professional game has changed, he’s also insisted there should be more than just two names in the frame.

Speaking last year, the South African outlined the four players he deemed worthy of being in the debate, notably leaving out himself. And in fifth place for him was Bobby Jones, who won seven major titles between 1923 and 1930 and who Player said “played with a walking stick as a shaft” and a “ball that went 80 yards less.”

Gary Player has had his say on the GOAT debate. (Image: Getty)

Ben Hogan won nine major championships, and Player rated him fourth as “the best player I ever saw from tee to green.” Adding that Hogan’s style was seamless, he said the Texas native would “turn over in his grave if he saw what some of the pros are teaching now on the backswing.”

And when it came to the crunch, and picking his No.1 between Nicklaus, 84, and Woods, Player appeared to favour the man with whom he endured many famous battles with on the course. “So I’d have to say Jack Nicklaus,” he added.

Implying Woods could have achieved more, he added: “After that I think Tiger Woods. He was unfortunate. His knees and his back and his car accident. What would happen if that never happened? There’s the ‘if’ I guess.”

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Both Nicklaus and Woods have found common ground in recent years, given both have turned down a multi-million opportunity to be the face of LIV Golf. And in June, the World Golf Hall of Fame inductee expressed his desire to see the best players in the world brought back together.

Pressed on whether he thought a merger was possible, Nicklaus said: “I think it would be better if they all played together more often. I do think that. But, you know, that’s above my pay grade, I think, to really answer that 100 per cent because I don’t know all the ramifications of it.”

Related Posts

“ประธาน AFC” ให้การต้อนรับ “มาดามแป้ง” นายกสมาคมฯ ในโอกาสเยือน บาห์เรน

ชีค ซัลมาน บิน อิบราฮิม อัล คอลิฟ ประธาน AFC ให้การต้อนรับ “มาดามแป้ง” ส.บอลไทย ในโอกาสเยือนบาห์เรน วันที่ 22 ธ.ค. 67 “ชีค ซัลมาน บิน อิบราฮิม อัล คอลิฟ” ประธานสมาพันธ์ฟุตบอลแห่งเอเชีย (เอเอฟซี) ให้การต้อนรับ “มาดามแป้ง” นางนวลพรรณ ล่ำซำ…

According to Shohei Ohtani’s representative, the Dodgers were the only team to recognize the true worth of the Japanese star

Other teams have players from that country but they think different in LA. Shohei Ohtani continued his dominate of the baseball world in the 2024 season, solidifying his…

Ohtani’s dominance in card collecting is severely damaged by Freeman’s record-breaking Grand Slam

Freeman’s Phenomenal Feat Shakes Up Card Collecting Market Record-breaking Impact Freddie Freeman’s recent grand slam has sent shockwaves through the baseball card collecting world. Following the Dodgers’ World…

Ferrari responde a los preocupantes datos de clasificación de Lewis Hamilton

El descenso de Lewis Hamilton en el rendimiento a una sola vuelta no es una preocupación para el jefe del equipo Ferrari, Fred Vasseur, antes de la llegada…

El comisario de la FIA le pide a Lando Norris que no tenga ninguna animosidad persistente y niega que Verstappen esté en el equipo

Johnny Herbert cree que Lando Norris necesita ponerse “peleador” con Max Verstappen si quiere derrotar al piloto holandés en la batalla. El retador británico al reciente dominio de…

Todos los pilotos votan por los mejores pilotos de F1 2024, excepto Hamilton, Verstappen y Pérez

Los pilotos de F1 2024 han votado a quién creen que ha sido el mejor piloto de la parrilla este año, y no ha sido una sorpresa que…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *