Golf: Jack Nicklaus Says Tiger Will Break His Record

Jack Nicklaus was not only one of the greatest golfers in history, but is one of the sports most consummate professionals. Even though Tiger Woods was having his problems at the Honda Classic, Jack was adamant during conversations in the broadcast booth, that Tiger will both tie, and beat his record of 18 major wins before his career is complete. He did say however, at age 37, if he doesn’t get back on track soon, he might run out of time.

At first, I was surprised that Jack Nicklaus would embrace anyone beating his record, but Jack is a class act. He is a true gentleman, and leader in this sport.

"”I still think he’ll break my record,” Nicklaus said Sunday. ”Tiger’s talent, at 37 … it’s not that old. I won four after that. They were spread out. It wasn’t that difficult. I don’t think for Tiger to get four or five more – or six or seven – is that big a stretch.”"

I’m not sure what fans are expecting out of Tiger, but he has a tournament win under his belt already this season at The Farmers Insurance where he ran off and left a pretty good field with an eight stroke lead. Fog delays, and slow play aggravated him into giving four strokes back before it was over. He played well in the first round at Dove Mountain, but Charles Howell III was just a tad better. And in that format, one bad day, and you’re done.

I am in agreement with Jack. If Tiger wants a realistic shot at his record, he needs to get at least one major win in 2013. It’s been four seasons since his last victory in the US Open at Torrey Pines, so it’s time for him to re-establish himself as a contender at the majors.

What better place to start than Augusta next month. He already owns four Green Jackets, and when he is on his game, can bring as much excitement as anyone on the planet to the back nine on Sunday at the Masters.

How can you ever forget the shot from the back of the 16th green in his last win at Augusta. It was one of the five greatest shots I have ever seen, and when the ball hesitated before dropping into the cup, I told my buddies at the watering hole, that’s why Nike signed Tiger Woods. That had to be a marquee moment for them, and their bottom line.

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