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- #9,076
I'm not so sure I would call Jack & Tiger similar when it comes to being a family man. I saw Jack several times in Augusta when I lived there and he was always very kind to me. I hounded him for autographs and he always took the time to be cordial. He actually talked to me more than I expected during one practice round. That's what drew me to him along with some of the incredible golf I saw him play.
On the other hand, I had a good friend who took his son to watch Tiger play during one of the practice rounds at Augusta. His son handed him a little visor hoping for an autograph and Tiger tossed it to the ground and walked off. After hearing about this I never cared for the guy.
Small samples. Keep in mind that scrutiny on athletes now vs when Nicklaus played is a bit different. Good example of that is Mickey Mantle. He would be crucified today, but is a god due to time he played.
Nicklaus was/is a grump. Its not surprising depending on age, who likes him and who doesnt.
One thing I would say...Did you see Tiger throw a kids visor or is that from elsewhere? While there is no doubt he never embraced the fans, the thought of any athlete doing that and it not being MAJOR NEWS is crazy. Any athlete that would toss a kids visor and it not be reported is kind of crazy. Especially at Augusta and the sheer amount of media around him for every step of the way.