Will Tiger Woods surpass Jack Nicklaus total of 18 majors?

SharpshooterTom

Didn't think I'd be having this conversation ever again. But yes, its back on now.

Some people will say this victory is a one off, he'll never win another again. I don't, I think another major at the very least is very likely providing he stays fit.

He's 43, but sportstars are living forever now. Federer winning at 37/38 in a sport that traditionally been a death sentence for people over 30, Tom Brady the best quarterback in the world at 41/42, Ronnie O'Sullivan dominating in a sport which players usually don't past 40. Messi and Ronaldo dominating football at ages 34 and (nearly) 32. Tour de France winners well into their 30s now. Serena Williams is nearly 38 herself.

If he stays fit he could play well into his 50s.

I think its certain he'll surpass Sam Snead's record of 82 PGA tour wins. But do you think Nicklaus record is doable?? I think he'd need to win another major this year or next to be in a real shout for it. He needs to cash in while the iron is hot.

He had a great run of form in 2012/2013 and didn't capitalise that time.

prawnsambo

It's a tough call. I wouldn't bet against it, but there's no doubt that he has a better than evens chance at Augusta. One third of his major wins have been there. But there's a lot of talent about who can really give him a run.

Cosmo Kramer

I think he'll win another major, but I can't see him winning another four. The standard of competition is so much higher now than earlier in his career.

If his body holds together he's got around five more years at the top. So, say around 20 majors. If he can win two more he'll have done exceptionally well. I can't see him passing or even matching Jack Nicklaus though.

MayoSalmon

He's the greatest golfer and possibly sportsman ever...I wouldn't bet against it for a second

SharpshooterTom

MayoSalmon wrote: »

He's the greatest golfer and possibly sportsman ever...I wouldn't bet against it for a second

Not sure about that. I don't know if I would put him any higher than Federer who is the undisputed GOAT of mens tennis and has taken mens tennis to equally new heights.

touts

Don't think he will. It's a young man's game now and Tiger looked old compared to those he was playing against today. Every now and then someone in his 40s may win but to say a 40+ year old will win 4 is stretching things (and before you ask I'm older than Tiger). Even McIllroy looks to have passed his window to win multiple majors with the younger lads coming up behind him.

Hoboo

MayoSalmon wrote: »

He's the greatest golfer and possibly sportsman ever...I wouldn't bet against it for a second

Jack Nicklaus?

MayoSalmon

ThomasFlynn wrote:

Not sure about that. I don't know if I would put him any higher than Federer who is the undisputed GOAT of mens tennis and has taken mens tennis to equally new heights.

Sure Djokovic will have Federers record beaten soon enough

MayoSalmon

Hoboo wrote:

Jack Nicklaus?

Mad thing is if Tigers back held up and he didn't have those personal problems how many majors would he of been on now?! 20, 25...easily could of really.

SharpshooterTom

Hoboo wrote: »

Jack Nicklaus?

You can make a claim for Woods based on the Tiger slam of 00-01, the fact that he is likely to pass Sam Snead's PGA tour wins record etc.

But he's not the undisputed GOAT, he would need to break Nicklaus for that claim I would think.

Deeper Blue

I now think he'll win at least one more, don't think he'll surpass 18 but it wouldn't shock me if he equalled it. If he wins another this year he's got a chance

SharpshooterTom

MayoSalmon wrote: »

Mad thing is if Tigers back held up and he didn't have those personal problems how many majors would he of been on now?! 20, 25...easily could of really.

But that's partly his own fault, he choose an explosive style of golf that was likely never going to play well into his later years.

Irrelevant now since he won today, but I think if he had paced himself better like Nicklaus he could have done it (and he still might).

FixdePitchmark

Said it earlier.

I'd say that is it.

Can't see that many players letting him off like that again.

Like 12 th was a joke by 3 of the real contenders.

Deeper Blue

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Said it earlier.

I'd say that is it.

Can't see that many players letting him off like that again.

Like 12 th was a joke by 3 of the real contenders.

He went out there and shot 2 under and won, while also letting several chances slide by himself (at 14 and 17 in particular)

FixdePitchmark

NDWC wrote: »

Ah would you ever go away with that ****e

He went out there and shot 2 under and won, while also letting several chances slide by himself (at 14 and 17 in particular)

What are you talking about "****e".

Most of the voters know he won't surpass jack . That's one thing.

But the two leading lads and koepka had a bit of a mare.

Then another 10 to 20 golfers who can play as well or better than him at present .

He is 43 years of age and has a restricted practice regime.

Fantastic day . Incredible achievement.

But people thinking this is the start of a 2nd run of majors are delusional imo.

But an opinion. Come back to me at end of year.

If he wins 18 . I'll put my hands up . But it must be a 500/1 shot at least.

Deeper Blue

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

What are you talking about "****e".

Most of the voters know he won't surpass jack . That's one thing.

But the two leading lads and koepka had a bit if a mare.

Then another 10 to 20 golfers who can play as well or better then him at present .

He is 43 years of age and has a restricted practice regime.

Fantastic day . Incredible achievement.

But thinking this is the start of a 2nd run of majors are delusional imo.

But an opinion. Come back to me at end of year.

You could say that every tournament winner in history was let off by loads of others though. That was what I was referring to. The general point about thinking he won't win again is fair enough.

Marcus Rashford

In all fairness, he could easily have won the last three Majors. I think he’ll get to 16, but could conceivably get to 18. 19’s a massive ask.

Nicklaus used to claim he had 20 Majors. Then he stopped. I wonder why?

theballz

They’ll make a movie about that comeback. Incredible scenes

FixdePitchmark

NDWC wrote: »

You could say that every tournament winner in history was let off by loads of others though. That was what I was referring to. The general point about thinking he won't win again is fair enough.

Yes but today 3 top pros went into water with a 9 iron or less and then 2 couldn't get up and down.

Genuinely can't see stuff like that again.

It does happen . But come on.

Marcus Rashford

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

NDWC wrote: »

You could say that every tournament winner in history was let off by loads of others though. That was what I was referring to. The general point about thinking he won't win again is fair enough.

Yes but today 3 top pros went into water with a 9 iron or less and then 2 couldn't get up and down.

Genuinely can't see stuff like that again.

It does happen . But come on.

That’s the pressure of Major Championships. One man has tended to handle it better.

refusetolose

Marcus Rashford wrote: »

In all fairness, he could easily have won the last three Majors. I think he’ll get to 16, but could conceivably get to 18. 19’s a massive ask.

Nicklaus used to claim he had 20 Majors. Then he stopped. I wonder why?

the smoking had an effect i suppose

Deeper Blue

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Yes but today 3 top pros went into water with a 9 iron or less and then 2 couldn't get up and down.

Genuinely can't see stuff like that again.

It does happen . But come on.

But who's to say how their rounds would've turned out had they not found water on 12?

Koepka might not have been as aggressive on 13 and wouldn't have made eagle

Molinari might not have been as aggressive on 17 and wouldn't have made birdie

Both might have made a bogey on 18 if leading

etc.

It's like saying if Liverpool had a different keeper in last year's CL final they'd have won it. Maybe they would've but maybe not, all hypothetical

GreeBo

NDWC wrote: »

You could say that every tournament winner in history was let off by loads of others though. That was what I was referring to. The general point about thinking he won't win again is fair enough.

Didn't you get the memo?
When it happens for Rory it's normal but for Tiger it's lucky somehow...

GreeBo

I see more...just not sure if 3 more

Tacklebox

If he stays away from his bottom line with his problems the sky's the limit, but one sniff of dangerous liaison's he's back down the wrong hole.

SharpshooterTom

Interesting to see that a third of you think he will win 4 more, not impossible but its a tough ask.

He has every chance. With his physique & mental fortitude, one major every year over the next four years isn't beyond comprehension.

SharpshooterTom

Deleted User wrote: »

He has every chance. With his physique & mental fortitude, one major every year over the next four years isn't beyond comprehension.

That's still a tough ask. Even during Woods's peak years of 1997-2008 he wasn't winning a major every year and sometimes went a through baron spells e.g. 2003 and 2004.

It really depends on his body and we don't know how long it will hold up for him.

backspin.

This one was a really big deal, he hadn't won a major in 11 years. He held it together well. I think he will be more relaxed for the next one. He has a good chance to equal or maybe even better Jack.

Tiger missed a lot of putts this week and still won.

SharpshooterTom

backspin. wrote: »

This one was a really big deal, he hadn't won a major in 11 years. He held it together well. I think he will be more relaxed for the next one. He has a good chance to equal or maybe even better Jack.

Tiger missed a lot of putts this week and still won.

4 majors is still a lot of majors for someone who is 43 and has injury problems. That's Mickleson/McIlroy's entire career.

backspin.

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

4 majors is still a lot of majors for someone who is 43 and has injury problems. That's Mickleson/McIlroy's entire career.

He wasn't a million miles away at the British Open. 4 more is a big ask true, but i think he has more in him.

GreeBo

backspin. wrote: »

He wasn't a million miles away at the British Open. 4 more is a big ask true, but i think he has more in him.

Or the US Open.

He has contended in basically 3 out of the last 5 and won 1.

mike12

Think he will contend in the master's and Open not sure if he will win any more.
Not sure I have seen anyone win the Master's shooting 70 the last day so it did fall in his lap a bit.
A Open in tough conditions where he can plot his way around might be his best chance.

prawnsambo

GreeBo wrote: »

Or the US Open.

He has contended in basically 3 out of the last 5 and won 1.

There's also the boost to his self-belief that this win will have given him. I know he's Tiger and self-belief is in his DNA, but there's a lot of good golfers out there now and it's probably a bigger fight than he's ever had in his career to get a win. I don't think he can beat the big hitters on those long US Open courses, but the likes of Augusta where even when he's in trouble, he can plot his way out of a bogey that he's probably ahead of everybody.

slave1

LOL, he wins the Tour Championship and The Masters, probably the last two biggest stroke play comps (think there was a WGC thrown in I've forgotten about) and you say it's a once off.


He will play Majors, WGCs and selected events from now on, he has zero interest in his World Ranking and I'd say not much interest in travelling all over the world to contend.


Goal 1 : Beat Sam's record

Goal 2 : Match Jack's

Goal 3 : Beat Jack's

Can he do it? Absolutely. Will he do it...….

lawred2

I hope he does

lawred2

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

What are you talking about "****e".

Most of the voters know he won't surpass jack . That's one thing.

But the two leading lads and koepka had a bit of a mare.

Then another 10 to 20 golfers who can play as well or better than him at present .

He is 43 years of age and has a restricted practice regime.

Fantastic day . Incredible achievement.

But people thinking this is the start of a 2nd run of majors are delusional imo.

But an opinion. Come back to me at end of year.

If he wins 18 . I'll put my hands up . But it must be a 500/1 shot at least.

Yeah while Tiger Woods held his nerve. After an 11 year gap since his last major. And this was the Masters.

Other having 'mares' while you hold your head is all part of winning and losing majors.

prawnsambo

slave1 wrote: »

LOL, he wins the Tour Championship and The Masters, probably the last two biggest stroke play comps (think there was a WGC thrown in I've forgotten about) and you say it's a once off.


He will play Majors, WGCs and selected events from now on, he has zero interest in his World Ranking and I'd say not much interest in travelling all over the world to contend.


Goal 1 : Beat Sam's record

Goal 2 : Match Jack's

Goal 3 : Beat Jack's

Can he do it? Absolutely. Will he do it...….

I'd be pretty certain he'll beat Sam's record. Just needs another few PGA Tour wins.

sky88

i hope he does it and i think hell win more as i always feel past champions at the masters and the British open always have chances to do it again at a later age but i feel he come up short

valoren

The big change in his game is off the tee. He no longer seems to have what was deemed the 'big miss' i.e. that one bloody drive that misses the planet and is a card wrecker. He now has a fairway finder, swinging within himself and this get's him in play more to take advantage of his imperious iron play. He can win more majors that's for sure.

GreeBo

valoren wrote: »

The big change in his game is off the tee. He no longer seems to have what was deemed the 'big miss' i.e. that one bloody drive that misses the the planet and is a card wrecker. He now has a fairway finder, swinging within himself and this get's him in play more to take advantage of his imperious iron play. He can win more majors that's for sure.

Was delighted to see him keep hitting that baby fade

Paddy Power giving Tiger a measly, mouldy 5-1 to win 18 or more majors, and 10-1 to win 19 or more.

That's ludicrously low odds there.

Deeper Blue

mike12 wrote: »

Think he will contend in the master's and Open not sure if he will win any more.
Not sure I have seen anyone win the Master's shooting 70 the last day so it did fall in his lap a bit.
A Open in tough conditions where he can plot his way around might be his best chance.

So birdieing 13, 15 and 16 on the back 9 at Augusta on Sunday, being 3 under for the last 6, when part of one of the tightest leaderboards in Masters history is having it fall into your lap?

I've never read so much rubbish in my life.

Have some people on here never watched golf before or what?

Henry Ford III

What Woods has achieved is remarkable without doubt.

Having said that I can't see him beating Jack's record, and I hope he doesn't tbh. I think he's not a good person.

dball

if he is going to do it, he would want to win another this year
then its just 2 (3?) more,

FixdePitchmark

NDWC wrote: »

So birdieing 13, 15 and 16 on the back 9 at Augusta on Sunday, being 3 under for the last 6, when part of one of the tightest leaderboards in Masters history is having it fall into your lap?

I've never read so much rubbish in my life.

Have some people on here never watched golf before or what?

I think that's a crazy post.

Yes some of the posters have watched loads of golf.

Tiger gained or was equal with his 3 key rivals shooting a 70 .

But to pick up more majors he will face far tougher scoring from a larger field of top players.

To win another one will take something even more remarkable on probably more tougher course set ups.

Even the way Tiger played last would be enough to lose many majors.

I genuinely can't see it. But again it's ok to view a sport in a certain way.

People talking about tiger getting 19 majors is complete crazy talk . But I'll read their views .

Hoboo

39% of golf fans started watching golf yesterday at 6pm gmt. Interesting fact of the day.

mike12

mike12 wrote: »

Not sure I have seen anyone win the Master's shooting 70 the last day so it did fall in his lap a bit.

Seriously like? 2008 was 75. 2009 was 71. 2013 69 and 70 made the playoff. 2015 was 70. 2018 was 71. Poor.

micks_address

Its kind of interesting, when rory and speith and all these guys came on the scene they are going to dominate for years but they seem to have gone backwards. I know its an over simplification but it seemed like this years masters was an 'easy' one to win as a lot of the contenders fell away..

prawnsambo

valoren wrote: »

The big change in his game is off the tee. He no longer seems to have what was deemed the 'big miss' i.e. that one bloody drive that misses the planet and is a card wrecker. He now has a fairway finder, swinging within himself and this get's him in play more to take advantage of his imperious iron play. He can win more majors that's for sure.

He was 56th in driving accuracy at Augusta. Missed 20 fairways or thereabouts. Now they weren't all bad misses, some in the first cut and others just off and into the pine straw. But there were quite a few where it badly affected his second shot. Like on the 18th on Sunday where he had a big miss and bogeyed the hole. Luckily he had two sh9ots to spare, but that was one of them. On the bigger hitting courses, that sort of accuracy could put him out of the running.

Dublin Spur

I hope so