Golf 'N Gator
Formally HoosierGolfer
Interesting read, but I'm in the camp that says Tiger will not break Jack's record. Two totally different players, from two totally different era's.
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That is the million dollar question. In my opinion the depth of field is light year's better now than it was 30 years ago, but the top 20 is not as full of parity.
Interesting read and a well done article.
Like others the 25% vs. 18% really stood out for me. But the other intersting fact that stood out was from major #47 for each of them - Nicklaus pulled away from Tiger in that comparison. Really speaks to the drought that Tiger has had in the majors.
There are too many variables to compare athletes from different eras. Some will argue depth of field, parity, advancements in technology, training, etc etc etc.
All we can do is speculate. And it's fun to speculate. I will say this, I have never seen someone dominate golf like Tiger Woods did from 99-03'ish. Tiger had a killer instinct. He looked at you and basically said, "I am going to crush you, why are you even paired with me today?" And he would then proceed to do whatever he wanted on a golf course. Putting especially.
Both Woods and Nicklaus in their prime, walking down the 18th, I really believe even the Golden Bear would feel Tiger's aura of dominance.
I would say Nicklaus gets the nod based on Major wins so far. But if we're talking about a certain "prime" period, who was the best golfer in the history of the game when they were at their best? Tiger.
I agree the quality of the field is better today than 30 years ago. But I think the field 30 years ago was better than that 15 years ago, when Tiger dominated.That was a really good article.
The 25% for TW in all events versus 18% for JN resonates with me.
I also have to think the quality of overall fields is much better now than it was 30 years ago. I could be wrong, just my gut feeling with how many different winners we have now and how the game is more accessible globally.
Hard for me to fathom ANYONE beating TW in his prime.
I have said this many times about Tiger. I am not taking anything from Tiger he's is the greatest of my generation. But haven't like 20+ wins come on 3-4 golf courses.Just as one could make the argument that the money of today, gives players at the top the ability to pick and choose courses tailor made for their game. There are a million arguments that people can make based on lifeless debates. The end of the day, Tom Watson has marginally shown that the game holds up over the test of generations and that as with any sport, people quickly forget the greatness of eras past in favor of what they view.
That was a good read and I am glad he wrote that piece and did the research. As he said, this is about majors only. It is the bench mark Tiger wants to hit and is a very fair assessment. You can conjecture all you want about the depths of field but neither man has ever played the field. They play the course and won doing so. Neither had a rival in their prime and just needed to play to win. If they were off their game in majors they didn't win but they didn't lose either.
I think TW will break JN record by more than a couple and will be considered by most to be the greatest of all time. Others will point to the near misses jack had and say he is the best. Personally having watched both play I feel fortunate and look forward to TW marching after jack's well earn record.
Given he hasn't won a major in how many years, how do you think that is gong to change? Never one a major when trailing going into the final round and interestingly hasn't won after he got caught when leading going into the final round after never having lost (14-0) No way will he get 19.
That was a good read and I am glad he wrote that piece and did the research. As he said, this is about majors only. It is the bench mark Tiger wants to hit and is a very fair assessment. You can conjecture all you want about the depths of field but neither man has ever played the field. They play the course and won doing so. Neither had a rival in their prime and just needed to play to win. If they were off their game in majors they didn't win but they didn't lose either.
I think TW will break JN record by more than a couple and will be considered by most to be the greatest of all time. Others will point to the near misses jack had and say he is the best. Personally having watched both play I feel fortunate and look forward to TW marching after jack's well earn record.
Do you think Tiger's new shorter swing can get him there?
Yes I do, I have no doubt he will recapture #1 and break Jack's record. He knows how to play and only injury has held him back. Once he get the tempo of the shorter swing he will be fine.
This is quite different than what you posted in the past about the swing. Has something changed showing it?
FWIW, I have said I agree on the majors, but he has not shown me much in the Foley age to make me think otherwise outside of the courses he owns.
Amen. Get ready to be labeled a hater. Jack built his career on the majors and trying to be home with the family every 3 weeks.The tour used to be non-exempt, so only the top 60 money winners were guaranteed a spot. I don't understand how you could say the "old" tour wasn't as good. Those guys were playing for their lives unlike today's players.
Jack was as dominant as Tiger for 15 years. Tiger is probably the best putter ever, but he has played against mental midgets his whole career. If Tiger is to be considered truly great, let him come out of the pack on Sunday and win. Like another poster said, he's only won with the lead.
I hope Tiger does not surpass Jack's record ONLY because I'll never forgive his cheating ways on and off the course.
He's human and we all make mistakes. Some worse then others. How about you get us all a pic of you walking on water.The tour used to be non-exempt, so only the top 60 money winners were guaranteed a spot. I don't understand how you could say the "old" tour wasn't as good. Those guys were playing for their lives unlike today's players.
Jack was as dominant as Tiger for 15 years. Tiger is probably the best putter ever, but he has played against mental midgets his whole career. If Tiger is to be considered truly great, let him come out of the pack on Sunday and win. Like another poster said, he's only won with the lead.
I hope Tiger does not surpass Jack's record ONLY because I'll never forgive his cheating ways on and off the course.
I always like it when someone brings up their dislike for Tiger because he cheated on his wife, what does that have to do with the game of golf. Some folks put to much emotion into it, would I cheat on my wife absolutely not do I care if someone who provides entertainment value do it, NOPE! All I care about is the product on tv, in fact I hope he marries Lyndsey Vonn cheats on her with some Perkins Waitresses and gets back to winning to Majors. Maybe that is what he needs in his golf game, a little side piece.
Well said. I absolutely don't agree with it or condone it but cmon I like tiger as a golfer because he's entertaining and I grew up watching him, I don't really take the time to dwell on that other crap off the cours. People will hold onto anything sometimesI always like it when someone brings up their dislike for Tiger because he cheated on his wife, what does that have to do with the game of golf. Some folks put to much emotion into it, would I cheat on my wife absolutely not do I care if someone who provides entertainment value do it, NOPE! All I care about is the product on tv, in fact I hope he marries Lyndsey Vonn cheats on her with some Perkins Waitresses and gets back to winning to Majors. Maybe that is what he needs in his golf game, a little side piece.
But even from an entertainment stand point, is Tiger really more entertaining than anyone else on tour? I don't think so. Personally I prefer when he's not playing, so at least I get to watch someone other than Tiger on TV.I always like it when someone brings up their dislike for Tiger because he cheated on his wife, what does that have to do with the game of golf. Some folks put to much emotion into it, would I cheat on my wife absolutely not do I care if someone who provides entertainment value do it, NOPE! All I care about is the product on tv, in fact I hope he marries Lyndsey Vonn cheats on her with some Perkins Waitresses and gets back to winning to Majors. Maybe that is what he needs in his golf game, a little side piece.