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

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are two of the greatest golfers in history, and the debate over who has had the better career remains a point of contention. However, Gary Player, a South African legend with nine major championships to his name, hasn’t shied away from sharing his opinion on this matter. He has previously offered his insights on which of these icons deserves the coveted title of the greatest golfer of all time (GOAT).

For most golf fans, the conversation boils down to two names: Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. These legendary figures dominated their respective eras, amassing a staggering total of 22 major titles and 155 PGA Tour victories combined.

When breaking down the statistics, Nicklaus holds the edge in major championships, boasting 18 compared to Woods’ 15. Despite Woods’ determination to continue competing, it’s unlikely he will surpass Nicklaus’ record before eventually stepping away from the sport.

However, Woods leads in PGA Tour victories with 82, ahead of Nicklaus’ 73. While Player, now 88, acknowledges that the game has evolved significantly over the years, making it difficult to definitively declare a winner, he also believes that more than just Nicklaus and Woods should be considered in the GOAT conversation.

Last year, Player named four players he felt deserved to be part of this debate, notably excluding himself from the list. In fifth place, he recognized Bobby Jones, a pioneer of the game who won seven major championships between 1923 and 1930. Player praised Jones for playing with equipment far inferior to today’s standards, describing his clubs as having “a walking stick as a shaft” and using a ball that traveled “80 yards less” than modern ones.

Player ranked Ben Hogan, a nine-time major champion, fourth, calling him the “best player I ever saw from tee to green.” Player admired Hogan’s seamless technique and remarked that the Texas native would “turn over in his grave if he saw what some pros are teaching today on the backswing.”

When asked to choose between Nicklaus and Woods, Player seemed to lean toward Nicklaus, with whom he had many fierce on-course battles. “I’d have to say Jack Nicklaus,” he said, suggesting that Woods, despite his immense talent, was hindered by unfortunate circumstances. Reflecting on Woods’ injuries and car accident, Player remarked, “What would have happened if those things never occurred? There’s the ‘if,’ I guess.”

Both Nicklaus and Woods have found common ground in recent years by rejecting offers to become the face of LIV Golf, a rival tour. In June, Nicklaus, now 84 and a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, expressed his hope to see the world’s best players reunite under one banner.

When asked about the possibility of a merger between LIV Golf and other tours, Nicklaus commented, “I think it would be better if they all played together more often. But that’s beyond my control. I don’t know all the implications to give a definitive answer.”