For many, only two names are in the mix, and neither needs any introduction.
Dissecting those numbers further, it’s ‘The Golden Bear’ who leads the way in the major statistics, with 18 to the 15 won by Woods. Despite the latter still being intent on raging against the dying light of his career, it’s highly unlikely the gap will be breached further before he eventually does walk away.
In PGA Tour titles it’s Woods out in front at 82 to 73. But while Player, now 88, has argued that it’s impossible to crown a clear winner given how vastly the professional game has changed, he’s also insisted there should be more than just two names in the frame.
peaking last year, the South African outlined the four players he deemed worthy of being in the debate, notably leaving out himself. And in fifth place for him was Bobby Jones, who won seven major titles between 1923 and 1930 and who Player said “played with a walking stick as a shaft” and a “ball that went 80 yards less.”
Ben Hogan won nine major championships, and Player rated him fourth as “the best player I ever saw from tee to green.” Adding that Hogan’s style was seamless, he said the Texas native would “turn over in his grave if he saw what some of the pros are teaching now on the backswing.”
Both Nicklaus and Woods have found common ground in recent years, given both have turned down a multi-million opportunity to be the face of LIV Golf. And in June, the World Golf Hall of Fame inductee expressed his desire to see the best players in the world brought back together.
Pressed on whether he thought a merger was possible, Nicklaus said: “I think it would be better if they all played together more often. I do think that. But, you know, that’s above my pay grade, I think, to really answer that 100 per cent because I don’t know all the ramifications of it.”
