Nicklaus’s 18 major wins puts him above Woods

Peter MorrisonAP

The rivalry between Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as golf’s greatest player has been a topic of heated debate for years.

With Nicklaus holding a record 18 major titles and Woods wowing the world with his raw talent and dramatic comebacks, fans have long argued who truly reigns supreme.

Now, Nicklaus has offered insight into why Woods may never surpass his accomplishments, highlighting the critical role that health and longevity play in shaping a golf career.

During an appearance on the 5 Clubs YouTube channel, Nicklaus credited his uninterrupted health as a major factor in his historic career.

“Never had an injury the whole time I played,” he revealed, though he admitted to a minor hip issue late in his career. “I had my hip problem, but that didn’t really get me until near the end of my career when I was 58 or 59 years old.”

Nicklaus explained that his ability to maintain peak performance came from leading a balanced life. Spending time with family, staying active, and avoiding burnout were essential for keeping both his body and mind sharp.

“I really thought that the diversity kept my mind fresh,” he said. Nicklaus emphasized the importance of maintaining good health, adding, “Having the good health and the good fortune to be able to play in every single one of them [major championships]” was instrumental in his success.

His unmatched record of competing in every major from 1962 to 1998, he believes, underscores his physical and mental resilience.

Woods’s Journey Marred by Injury

In contrast, Tiger Woods‘s career has been repeatedly derailed by injuries. Woods has undergone numerous surgeries, including back operations, knee procedures, and an ankle treatment in 2024.

His 2021 car crash resulted in severe leg fractures and trauma to his ankle, compounding the challenges he faced. Woods‘s struggle with injuries has been a stark contrast to Nicklaus‘s uninterrupted career.

Reflecting on the importance of physical health, Nicklaus commented, “You can’t play golf if you’re not healthy.”

Despite his physical setbacks, Woods has continued to inspire fans with his determination to return to competitive golf. However, the toll of these injuries has limited his ability to achieve the consistency and longevity that defined Nicklaus‘s career.

Nicklaus‘s reflections provide a fresh perspective on the unique hurdles that athletes face. While Tiger Woods remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures, his injuries have undeniably shaped his journey in ways that Nicklaus never experienced.

The debate over who is the greatest golfer may continue, but Nicklaus‘s longevity and sustained excellence stand as a testament to the value of health and resilience in achieving greatness.