Since childhood, Tiger Woods has used Jack Nicklaus’ records as motivation for his tremendous work ethic. He even went so far as to post Jack’s totals on his walls and ceiling, to constantly remind of the task at hand. He would lie in bed at night, dreaming of breaking all of Jack’s records and eventually garnering the title of “Greatest Player Ever.” Flash forward 20 years and Tiger is well on his way to fullfilling that childhood dream. Heck, some believe he’s made his mark and is already the best. Others think he has a way to go before his coronation as the all-time King of Golf. What do you think? Who’s better – Jack or Tiger? I think to best answer that question, there are two factors which need to be considered. First, compare their records. Second, compare their competition. I think it’s tough to compare games completely, as equipment and course conditions are so much better today. However, we can look at wins and the overall quality of their competition.
Let’s first examine their records
This weekend, Tiger will vie for his fifth Green Jacket, which would put him only one behind Nicklaus’ total of six. Still, it seems almost a by-gone conclusion that Tiger will one day pass Jack’s record – even if he doesn’t take the title this week. However, if he does win this week, Tiger will have a total of 13 Major wins – only 5 behind Jack’s professional total of 18. And if you add Amateur Major wins – Tiger actually gets a little closer to Jack’s total. With a 3-2 lead in U.S. Amateur titles, a win this week would bring Tiger’s Major total to 16. Jack has 20 including the Amateurs. So as records go – I would put Tiger on pace to pass Jack someday in the next 4-5 years. Will this be enough for him to be the greatest ever?
Next, let’s examine their competition
Hands down, the overall competition from top to bottom is much tougher today. However, I believe the top players were better in Jack’s day. I think it’s close – but with Arnold Palmer (7 Majors), Gary Player (9 Majors), Billy Casper (3 Majors), Lee Trevino (6 Majors), Tom Watson (8 Majors), Seve Ballesteros (5 Majors) and Johnny Miller (2 Majors) – Jack Nicklaus had more great players to beat in Major events. Guys that really knew how to win and who were not afraid to go head to head. Historically, they may not have been the player Jack was – but they never backed down and often won coming down the stretch. Today, Tiger’s main competition has been Vijay Singh (3 Majors), Ernie Els (3 Majors), Phil Mickelson (3 Majors) and David Duval (1 Major). They are all great players in their own right – but all have a history of not playing their best golf against Tiger. Where as Jack had to elevate his game to beat his top competitors – it seems all Tiger has to do is wait for his competitors to implode. No one has looked Tiger in the eye on the 10th tee, of the last day of a Major – and taken a tournament from him. Frankly, Tiger has been a non-factor in all their wins. So they didn’t have him to contend with coming down the stretch.
So in my opinion, with a slightly better record and much better competition – Jack still trumps Tiger as the best ever. Still, Tiger has a long way to go and it would surprise no one if he one day becomes the undisputed King of the game.
For more on Jack and Tiger’s competition, read this insightful piece in ESPN the Magazine
Hi Andy,
I believe the only way Tiger won’t surpass every record there is to be had in golf, is to retire early like Bobby Jones……He’s having too much fun to do that………There must be something driving Him to maintain the hunger needed to win……If all other players developed that same hunger, We spectators would enjoy watching the tour even more.
Andy,thanks for the many E-MAILS
Jerry(Wisconsin)