Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy were not named by Jack Nicklaus when discussing the best golfer ever.
Golf icon Jack Nicklaus is possibly the person best placed to declare the sport’s greatest-ever player. The 85-year-old legend amassed an extraordinary 117 professional victories, including 18 major titles, across a glittering career spanning five decades.
When debates emerge about golf’s GOAT, it’s typically Nicklaus and Tiger Woods who dominate the conversation. While Woods may fall short of Nicklaus in majors with 15 victories, he shares the record for most PGA Tour wins with 82 titles alongside Sam Snead.
Rory McIlroy joined this elite Career Grand Slam circle last year following his long-awaited Masters triumph. Both longevity and accomplishments define the golfing greats, yet according to the Golden Bear, there’s another player he considers the sport’s ultimate master.
Nicklaus bestowed the honour upon 13-time major winner Bobby Jones. The American’s impact on golf stretched far beyond his skills on the course, having co-founded the Masters and designed Augusta National.
His remarkable achievements become even more impressive considering he retired from competition at just 28 in 1930, with Nicklaus once declaring: “Jones is the greatest golfer who ever lived and probably ever will live. That’s my goal. Bobby Jones. It’s the only goal.”
READ MORE: Scottie Scheffler’s Grand Slam, Tiger Woods to return and a huge year for LIV Golf in 2026READ MORE: Two Ryder Cup stars competing for golden LIV Golf ticket after shock Brooks Koepka twist
Despite his statement, Nicklaus later acknowledged that if it weren’t for Woods’ devastating injury problems in recent years, he might have eclipsed his major championships record. “If he remained healthy, I think he would’ve gotten it, but he didn’t remain healthy,” Nicklaus explained.
“We all have injuries, we all have different things in our life which change things and Tiger had his problems.”
Showing his compassion for the golfing legend, he added: “I feel bad for him about it, but it is what it is. He’s still a great influence on the game of golf.”
Woods has struggled with numerous back and lower leg injuries for several years. A car accident in 2021 exacerbated his battle to stay fit and secure a 16th major, following his remarkable Masters triumph two years earlier.
Woods’ most recent appearance at a professional tournament was during the second round of the 2024 Open Championship. No schedule has yet been established for a possible return to competitive golf.
McIlroy faces an uphill battle to match Niklaus’ and Woods’ major titles, having clinched the fifth of his career at the Masters in 2025. However, the 36-year-old enjoyed a year to remember as he celebrated receiving the Green Jacket before helping Team Europe to Ryder Cup glory on US soil.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
