Golf Hall of Fame?

Question

Whilst watching the Mercedes Benz from Hawaii the Golf Hall of Fame ran an advert stating Nicklaus has won 20 Majors. Which ones are the extra 2 and what does Tiger think of this ??

Answer 1

Golf historians have regarded the U.S. Amateur Championship as a major even though it is not recognized as such. Nicklaus regraded this event a major since in pre-modern golf Bobby Jones won the original grand slam in 1930. Nicklaus won the 1959, and 1961 U.S. Amateur.

Answer 2

I don't know.... A golf tournament open to anyone in the world not a professional isn't a major..... Hmmm, I'd argue it is.... So give Tiger 15.... 5 back of Jack.

Answer 3

Did Jack win 2 U.S. Amateurs? That is the only thing that I can think of that would count with his 18 "traditional" majors. The amateurs (U.S. and British) used to be majors back when golf was a game for gentlemen, but I can't see why they would count them now. As for Tiger, I really don't think he cares. Tiger doesn't seem like a records guy and he just plays to be the best. I know him having the records would ultimately declare him the best, but right now Tiger other things that are more important.

Answer 4

Jack won the 59 and 61 US Amateur Championships. Usually they qualify the major record Tiger is chasing by saying, "Tiger is chasing Jack's record total of 18 PROFESSIONAL major championship wins."

You can count the amateurs as majors as Bobby Jones and Jack did, but nowadays the most talented players are turning pro early, therefore the talent pool is not what it once was, degrading the status of the event.

Tiger does not consider his amateur wins as majors, so that should tell you all you need to know about that!