Jack Nicklaus is one of the few golfers who has remained tight-knit with the game long after he said goodbye to his professional golfing days. His connection with the PGA Tour through the Memorial Tournament is the best representation of this. The core idea behind this reputed event originated from the big brain of the 18-time major winner. Though, some help was provided by the commissioner of the PGA Tour, Joe Dey.

Now, as the tournament progresses to its 48th edition, plenty of curiosity has surrounded it. From the changes in the golf course to the players who would be teeing at the event, every news is being followed. However, in a recent press conference, much attention was given to Nicklaus’ point of view on the game. Particularly, the distinctive swings that various players have. Well, the surprising thing was that he didn’t once mention Tiger Woods.

Jack Nicklaus’ list of admirable swings leaves out Tiger Woods

On Tuesday in Ohio, the Golden Bear let the reporters pick his brain. He provided insight with regard to many things including his opinion on distinctive golf swings. When asked about whom did he admire in terms of the same, Nicklaus had quite a few names in mind. It would have been casuistic had he not mentioned his ‘first and only golf teacher’ Jack Grout. Although soon after,  the other names spill out which included Bob Toski, Bryson Nelson, and Claude Harmon. All legendary golfers who have dedicated their youth and passion to the game!

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One more name Nicklaus added was that of Gary Player. The legend he shared the greens with for some time. According to Golden Bear of golf, Gary had a way of hitting the shots, however, he soon changed his style with context to the position of his hands for the better.

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But, it wasn’t the mention of these legends that was surprising. Rather, the rest of the players that were present in Jack Nicklaus’ catalog did not have the 82-time PGA Tour winner in it. In the press meeting, the 83-year-old commented, “Claude Harmon was over here where you see some of the guys today. You see Rahm and Collin Morikawa is there and Spieth’s a bit there.”

With regard to various names mentioned by the golf legend, it appears he has a close personal relationship with all of them. Now, we don’t know why he did not vocalize Tiger Woods’ name even though the two admire one another. However, looking at their previous interactions Woods has looked up to Nicklaus as a competition. Moreover, Jack Nicklaus once confessed how he ‘never really had a conversation with Tiger that last more than two minutes’. But that didn’t mean he did not get along well with Tiger. In fact, Nicklaus once said, “I like Tiger” but they have usually followed their separate paths. 

Other players who received appreciation from ‘The Golden Bear’

Now, since the question focused on the swing shots that were different, Jack Nicklaus couldn’t leave out Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead. He said, “As far as swings go, Sam Snead, rhythm and position and everything was just, it was, he was the best.” On the other end, Palmer had a distinct action called swashbuckling and he never hit a fairway. As per the 6-time Masters winner, “And how Arnold got his name and reputation was how he recovered from where he hit it.”

Ben Hogan and Bryson Nelson were especially praised by Nicklaus as he learned a lot from the latter. Not only the luminary of the game but current players like World No.2, Jon Rahm, and the Northern Irish golfer were recalled by the 117 professional wins holder. He said, “I mean, Rahm, if you look at Rahm, Rahm being a bit shut here, but his body is so quick and through the ball and he’s so strong holding on through the ball that he’ll play well for a long time. Other guys may not.”

As for Rory McIlroy, Nicklaus commented, “Rory McIlroy’s got a beautiful, beautiful natural action. Uses all parts of his body. Rory’s not a big guy, but he knows how to use every part of his body“. The former World No. 1, Justin Thomas also received appreciation from the golf legend for his ‘gorgeous action’.

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We may not know why Tiger wasn’t mentioned by Jack Nicklaus. But what we do know for sure is that both players have earned massive fame through their skills and dedication to the game. They have left a legacy for generations to follow!

What do you think of Nicklaus’ personal statement? Why wasn’t Tiger Woods mentioned? Share your thoughts in the comments below!