Jack announced today,this was his last Masters. He shot roundsof 77 and 76 but missed the cut.He did as well as many of the players on the tour.He's battled back problems and had a hip replaced and hobbles aroundhe course in pain.He says he just can't play the game anymore. He doesn't want to embarrass himself by playing too poorly. How many guys wish they could shoot in the mid seventies at Augusta. I'd like to see him play a few more years.Edited by: Bart
Jack Nicklaus
- Thread starter Bart
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Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
Me too Bart! It's sad guys like him are bowing out because of age, but it happens to us all. Jack will be missed.
Like virtually all great golfers, Nicklaus is all class and graciousness. We can only hope Tiger continues to learn from those who came before him as well as those currently playing the sport professionally. I heard one s-word and one f-bomb from Woods today, who of course knew that live microphones will pick that up almost every time. He also smashed his driver on the ground after a bad tee shot. Earlier in the tournament he was hurling golf clubs. And he still has an icy demeanor about him. Chris DiMarco isn't a particularly popular player (until today), but the crowd badly wanted him to win. Part of that is rooting forany underdog, but they wouldn't have rooted for him that enthusiastically against Mickelson.Woods makes a hundred million a year between golf and endorsements, it's time he loosened up a bit.
We can be thankful he's not an afficianado of the hip hop or gangsta lifestyle, but he still has a long way to go tofollow inJack Nicklaus' shoes besides sharing his ability to win majors.
We can be thankful he's not an afficianado of the hip hop or gangsta lifestyle, but he still has a long way to go tofollow inJack Nicklaus' shoes besides sharing his ability to win majors.
right winger
Guru
Well said. A lot of what Woods does gets overlooked because he has a black father. A white golfer with his "I couldn't care less" attitude toward fans, his fellow golfers, and the media would take far more criticism than Tiger does. What was amusing was all the nonsense during the final round about Tiger "showing his critics" that his new swing works. As if he has been under a torrent of criticism. Cut me a break! He's the most media-idolized athlete in history, rivaled only by Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Michael Vick.
The British Open will be Jack's last competitive tournament. It'll be sad and very sentimental, but it's also undoubtedly the right time for Jack to end the greatest golf career ever.
[url]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/golf/05/16/nicklaus.br itish/index.html[/url]
[url]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/golf/05/16/nicklaus.br itish/index.html[/url]
okra63
Guru
Jack is a great golfer. He stayed at the top of his game for a long time.
How about Jack going out by making a very difficult birdie putt on 18? Tremendous theater. Maybe not quite as good as Ted Williams homering in his last at-bat, but almost.
One of the reasons I love golf is because of the tradition and sentiment that is such a part of it.The PGA hasbeen corrupted by corporate influence as have all pro sports, but not as much.
Golf will never be dominated by arrogant, self-absorbed blacks who have no interest in the game's history and traditions. Asians excel at it, but blacks never will. As long as it's white dominated it will retain much of its class and traditions.
One of the reasons I love golf is because of the tradition and sentiment that is such a part of it.The PGA hasbeen corrupted by corporate influence as have all pro sports, but not as much.
Golf will never be dominated by arrogant, self-absorbed blacks who have no interest in the game's history and traditions. Asians excel at it, but blacks never will. As long as it's white dominated it will retain much of its class and traditions.
G
Guest
Guest
There is one Black player who is pretty good at it think his last name starts with WDon Wassall said:
But he must be using steroids after all he bulked up a full 5 pounds or so
Seriously though Nicklaus was one of the best and is a true legend.
My point exactly -- there is just one (part) black player who is pretty good. Ten years after Tiger set off a hugeincrease in golf playing among blacks, he remains the only black on tour.
And if Nicklaus is only "one of the best" -- who is better? Don't tell me, you think Woods has already surpassed his career accomplishments.
And if Nicklaus is only "one of the best" -- who is better? Don't tell me, you think Woods has already surpassed his career accomplishments.
G
Guest
Guest
Tiger has'nt Surpassed the Golden bear yet but eventually he will . With Tigers talent and the time he has to do it its inevitiable Nicklaus was tigers idol growing up he wanted to be as good as him and then surpass him. I think in the next 5 years Tiger surpasses Nicklaus.Don Wassall said:
You didn't answer my question. If Nicklaus is only "one of the best," whowas better?
Jack Nicklaus shot a 73 today and Woods came in at 67. Think about this for moment. Woods is leading the field at the British Open in top form and only 29 years old but the broken down , arthritic, 65 year old swayback stillproduces a great round in his swan song. I guess that's what makesgolf and Jack so special.
Carolina Speed
Hall of Famer
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Thankfully this prediction didn't come true, but no matter what Tiger does he will never surpass Nicklaus. Here are just a few reasons why.
Jack is a better man both morally and as a player.
Jack was 2nd best in Majors 19 times. Tiger has been 2nd best only 6 times.
Some will disagree here, but Jack's competition was stronger, particularly in Majors. The closest thing to Tiger from a Major competition standpoint is Mickelson 5 and Els 4. Jack had to deal with Gary Player 9 Majors,
Watson 8, Palmer 7, Trevino 6, and Ballesteros 5! Few have stepped up in Majors against Tiger.
Nicklaus' average score at Augusta was 71.98 over 163 rounds with more than 40 of them played over the age of 50. A remarkable accomplishment; to keep his average under par when he played so many non-competitive rounds. Tigers scoring average is 70.86. We'll see where he's at scoring wise at 65 years of age if he's still playing.
Jack Nicklaus is and will always be Golf's best ambassador.
Jack was better a Augusta in his prime, from 1963-79, Jack won 5 green jackets and 14 top 10's
Tiger from 1997-2013, won 4 Masters and 13 top 10's.
Woods has never come from behind on the final day of a Major to win. Nicklaus has come from behind 8 times to win Majors!
Even Tiger said in 2012, "Jack Nicklaus is golf's greatest champion."
18-14. Nicklaus still has more Major wins than Woods! Until that changes, there's really no debate.
The Golden Bear is the greatest golfer of all-time, period.
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Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
Great post, Carolina Speed! It has been very satisfying to me personally to see Jack's legacy withstand the Eldrick Woodster and his media onslaught.
Carolina Speed
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Just finished watching The Golf Channel's Golf Films. It showed the one called "DUEL." It was the 1977 British Open Championship battle at Turnberry between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Watson beat Jack that day by 1 stroke, but if you've ever wondered or had to debate with today's younger generation about who is the Golf Goat, watch this 30 minute film. You'll understand why Jack Nicklaus is the GOAT. The film shows the tournament, but particularly the 18th hole in which Nicklaus arguably makes the greatest birdie ever seen. Jack never gave up. He was always in contention in his mind and on this day he shows why. The commentary also discusses the ball and equipment that Jack as well others of his generation had to use. Making it even more difficult to play the game in those days, compared to the ball and equipment used today. It's very refreshing to hear everyone contributing to this film saying Jack is the Goat.
The post I made above was ten years ago. Hard to believe. If those stats aren't enough, I don't know what is.
What may have been the most memorable thing about the '77 British Open is that both Watson and Nicklaus lapped the rest of the field. The third place finisher Hubert Green finished 10 strokes behind Nicklaus and 11 behind Watson!
I've watched various specials and shows about that Open. It's my second favorite tournament behind only the '86 Masters even though I didn't watch it at the time but have seen enough footage by now to feel like I did. Two great golfers at the top of their game, far outclassing the rest of the field, dueling in the (rare) British sun. Nicklaus's birdie putt on 18 was indeed spectacular, I also love the shot of the huge grandstand going wild after it sank. The two of them walking together, Jack's arm around Tom's shoulder, off the 18th was also memorable. Jack said to Tom, "I gave you my best shot but it wasn't good enough." As has often been said, Jack Nicklaus was as gracious a loser as he was a winner.
I've watched various specials and shows about that Open. It's my second favorite tournament behind only the '86 Masters even though I didn't watch it at the time but have seen enough footage by now to feel like I did. Two great golfers at the top of their game, far outclassing the rest of the field, dueling in the (rare) British sun. Nicklaus's birdie putt on 18 was indeed spectacular, I also love the shot of the huge grandstand going wild after it sank. The two of them walking together, Jack's arm around Tom's shoulder, off the 18th was also memorable. Jack said to Tom, "I gave you my best shot but it wasn't good enough." As has often been said, Jack Nicklaus was as gracious a loser as he was a winner.