‘I’m one of golf’s all-time greats – this is who I think is the greatest player ever’

Former Masters champion Fred Couples has previously shared his thoughts on the greatest-ever golfer, with Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus considered leading candidates

View 3 Images

Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus are often discussed as the best golfers of all time(Image: GLYN KIRK, AFP via Getty Images)

Golf icon Fred Couples has been clear in naming Tiger Woods as the greatest player of all time, a view shared by other stars of the sport. There are several contenders for the unofficial title of golf’s greatest player.

Woods is a popular choice, while 18-time major-winner Jack Nicklaus is favored by traditionalists. World No.1 Scottie Scheffler is rapidly making his case as the current generation’s contender.

However, 1992 Masters champion Couples has no doubt about who gets his vote as the best ever. He paid tribute to Woods when the golf legend was inducted into the sport’s Hall of Fame in 2022.

“I’m so excited to tune in and see Tiger Woods inducted into the Hall of Fame by his daughter Sam tomorrow,” Couples wrote on social media, as reported by the Express. “Just another accolade for the best I’ve ever seen.”

While Woods’ haul of 15 majors falls three short of record-holder Nicklaus, that total could have been higher if not for the former’s prolonged absences over the years. Woods, now 49, claimed 14 of his major titles between 1997 and 2008 before injuries and personal issues disrupted his on-course performances.

In some ways, this makes Woods’ his 2019 Masters triumph the most significant of them all. Ending an 11-year major drought, the golf legend donned the green jacket for the fifth time, reminding the world of his stature in the process.

The statistics help to illustrate his greatness. Woods has claimed a joint-record 82 PGA Tour victories, holds the lowest career scoring average in the tournament’s history and became the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam at just 24 years old.

He remains the sole player in history to capture all four majors consecutively, accomplishing this remarkable achievement spanning the 2000 and 2001 seasons. He holds numerous other records in the sport, further strengthening his case to be considered the best-ever golfer.

View 3 Images

Fred Couples named Tiger Woods the greatest of all time(Image: Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Woods’ influence clearly transcends generations, with Rory McIlroy consistently naming the American as the sport’s greatest. He praised Woods’ excellence in 2017 when the 15-time major winner stepped away from golf to heal from a back injury.

“He has been the greatest that I’ve ever seen,” the Northern Irishman said, who also remembered staying awake until the early hours to witness Woods’ 1997 Masters victory. I didn’t see Jack Nicklaus play. I know he has a better record, but I don’t know if he played better golf.

View 3 Images

Rory McIlroy has previously named Tiger Woods as the greatest golfer he’s seen(Image: Megan Briggs/TGL/TGL via Getty Images)

“I don’t think there’s been a single figure who’s done more in terms of bringing different groups into the game – different ethnicities and different age groups. He made golf cool when it really needed an injection of something.”

Woods recently hit a career low, dropping to 2,084th in the world rankings due to his lengthy absence as he works towards returning to fitness. Despite his injuries, golf fans are still eager to see the legend make a comeback, with Couples undoubtedly among them.