Jack Nicklaus named greatest golfer in history and it’s not Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy were omitted by Jack Nicklaus when he revealed who he believes is the greatest golfer ever.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

If there’s anybody that has the credentials to comment on who the greatest golfer in history is, it’s Jack Nicklaus. The 85-year-old has won a remarkable 117 professional tournaments, including 18 major championships, in a career that spanned five decades.

In most discussions regarding the golf GOAT, it’s usually Nicklaus and Tiger Woods who are mentioned the most. While the 50-year-old may trail behind Nicklaus when it comes to majors, having won just the 15, he is tied first for the most victories on the PGA Tour with 82 triumphs, alongside Sam Snead.

Joining Nicklaus and Woods in the exclusive Career Grand Slam club last year was Rory McIlroy after his long-awaited Masters victory. Longevity and achievements were achieved by the golfing trio, but according to the Golden Bear, there is another golfer he believes is the greatest the sport has ever produced.

Nicklaus offered the ultimate praise to 13-time major champion Bobby Jones. The American’s influence on golf goes beyond his sporting excellence as he was a co-founder of the Masters and was the Augusta National designer. His hefty list of honours was earned despite quitting the sport at 28 in 1930 as last year, Nicklaus said of his compatriot: “Jones is the greatest golfer who ever lived and probably ever will live. That’s my goal. Bobby Jones. It’s the only goal.”

Despite his statement, Nicklaus admitted if it wasn’t for Woods’ crippling injury issues in recent years, he may have surpassed his own record of major victories, saying: “If he remained healthy, I think he would’ve gotten it, but he didn’t remain healthy.

Jack Nicklaus speaking

“We all have injuries, we all have different things in our life which change things and Tiger had his problems.” Expressing his sympathy for the golf great, he added: “I feel bad for him about it, but it is what it is. He’s still a great influence on the game of golf.”

Woods has battled several back and lower leg injuries for several years before a car crash in 2021 exacerbated his troubles to stay fit and claim a 16th major, following  his improbable Masters win two years prior. Woods’ last appearance at a professional tournament was in the second round of the 2024 Open Championship. A timeline has yet to be set on a potential return to competitive golf with the Masters three months away.