Jack Nicklaus backs Tiger Woods in the bid to win 18 majors – Golf news
Jack Nicklaus believes Tiger Woods will break his record of 18 major victories, provided he diverts his focus to the game.
The six-time winner of the Masters spoke to the press on Wednesday after competing in the par-3 contest.
The 71-year-old American said, “I assume he’ll get his focus back on what he’s doing and he will probably pass my record. But then the last part I always say about it is, he’s still got to do it. He’s still got to win five more (majors) and that’s more than a career for anybody else playing.”
Nicklaus, who is also known as the Golden Bear, is considered as the undisputed king of the Masters. He lifted his last green jacket at the age of 46 in 1986 and gave his throne to Woods, who continued his legacy and was the second most successful golfer alongside Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. Nicklaus is the oldest player to have won the Masters at 46.
Woods won his first major title in 1997. He lifted 13 more trophies and became almost invincible until his personal life overshadowed his performance throughout 2010. He has not been able to win any title after that and his aim to surpass Nicklaus’ record of 18 titles looks improbable. This would certainly take an effort for Woods to achieve this milestone.
Despite that, Nicklaus backed Woods and said that he could relish success, as the technology had made it lot easier for the players these days. He said that the latest gadgets have helped the professionals in increasing the longevity of their careers and Woods was one of them. He advised that if Woods utilised the technology in a positive manner, he would relish success in winning five more major titles.
Former world number one Woods will tee off with 49 top players of the world and will face winners of Asian, Champion and Nationwide tours in the battle to wear the green jacket. Let’s see if Woods is able to challenge them and win his 15th major title.
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