Despite His Fierce Competitive Nature, Tiger Woods Once Bowed Down to His ‘Mentor’ Jack Nicklaus

Published 09/11/2022, 10:30 AM EDT

The G.O.A.T. discussion is always addressed in every sport in the world. Likewise, the topic of who’s the G.O.A.T of golf has often been an argument among golf fans and critics. Most consider Tiger Woods the greatest while others side for the legend, Jack Nicklaus. Nonetheless, when it comes to these individuals, both golfers share the utmost respect for each other. Tiger once shared some kind words for Nicklaus and also addressed him as the G.O.A.T. in a letter.

Jack Nicklaus was considered the greatest golfer during his playing days. The 82-year-old has 73 PGA Tour wins, which also include his 18 Majors titles, the most Majors won by any golfer ever. There was hardly anyone close to being a competitor in the G.O.A.T. discussion to Nicklaus until the arrival of Tiger Woods in the late 90s.

Woods has 82 PGA Tour wins, including his 15 Major wins. Though he has surpassed the golfer in overall professional wins, Woods still falls behind Jack when it comes to his Major titles. Despite that, Tiger doesn’t envy Nicklaus and once addressed him as the G.O.A.T. in a letter.

Tiger Woods addresses Jack Nicklaus as the “Greatest of all Time”

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During the 2008 Players Championship, Jack Nicklaus received the Lifetime Achievement award from the PGA Tour. The highly anticipated moment was watched with the presence of golf royalty on site. However, Tiger couldn’t participate in the Tournament. The golfer was undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee at the time.

Nonetheless, the 46-year-old wrote a letter to the Golden Bear that was read by then Commissioner, Finchem. Woods talked about how no one deserves the award more than Jack Nicklaus. He further wrote, “Your impact on golf has been incredible to say the least and I count myself among the millions of fans who consider you to be the greatest of all time”.

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Tiger Woods then mentioned the astonishing accolades won by Nicklaus. He also addressed Jack’s philanthropic contribution to the world. Woods ended by writing, “These values insure your contribution to golf will forever be unmatched and make you the man whose path we all seek to emulate. Thank you for being such a tremendous mentor to me and so many others. Congratulations Jack, Tiger Woods”.

The argument of who’s the greatest golfer of all time is never-ending. But the admiration and respect that both Hall of Famers share for each other is truly commendable. Because after all, it was the great game of these athletes that helped in elevating the sport globally.

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Who according to you is the golf G.O.A.T.? Let us know in the comments section below.

Watch this story: Meet Tiger Woods’ family

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Written by:

Abdul Bari is a Golf writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Abdul is currently pursuing his Master’s in the same. With great affection for the world of sports, this avid golf lover turned to the course at a young age.

Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui

Despite His Fierce Competitive Nature, Tiger Woods Once Bowed Down to His ‘Mentor’ Jack Nicklaus

Tiger Woods addresses Jack Nicklaus as the “Greatest of all Time”

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