I wasnt quite sure if they still considered the US Amateur part of the grand slam.

Today: There's Tiger, then a pretty substantial drop-off to Phil, then another pretty substantial drop-off to everyone else.

Back Then: There was Jack, then a slight drop-off to Hall of Famers like Palmer, Player, Irwin, Watson, Trevino, Floyd, Casper, Middlecoff, Miller, Jacklin, Ballesteros, etc. You can probably think of a few more. Nevertheless, can you name eleven players today at that level? Not to mention Jack's later years included Crenshaw, Norman, Kite, Couples, Stewart, Azinger, Sutton, Faldo, etc.

In my mind, Tiger is extraordinarily talented and an argument can be made that he is the best of all time. However, given Jack's success against these great players (18 wins in Majors and 19 seconds!) I believe that Jack is the "Greatest". Tiger will likely beat Jack's record but I'd say that in doing so he hasn't accomplished as much.

[This message has been edited by weeza (edited 6/28/2008 3:24a).]

every golf enthusiast has their personal favorite.



I think Hogan was simply the best. Tiger's comeback was absolutly magical, but comes second to Hogans 1950 U.S Open win after the car accident that should have killed him.

"Nicklaus once responded to the question, "Is Tiger Woods the best ball striker you have ever seen?" with, "No, no - Ben Hogan, easily""

Hogan declined to play the PGA championship several times because it was match play back then.

Disbarring not playing in the PGA championships, the war,and the accident that tunted his carear he would have had the most major wins.





[This message has been edited by CavJock07 (edited 7/2/2008 7:31p).]

Hogan may be the best ball-striker of all-time but he was a horrible putter at the end of his career and couldn't get out of trouble like Tiger can. Tiger is the greatest golfer ever.

Tiger's biggest obstacle to finish ahead of Jack Nicklas is his body.

When you look at Tiger the year before he turned professional he was a VERY skinny kid. Within a couole of years he was an absolute solid-cut-rock.

As a self professed weight lifting and running junkie, he may be harming himself. Think David Duval after he started the religious workouts. Plus with Tigers increase in mass I wonder if he did Steroids, which will not do his body favors as he ages.

there are some other things to debate related to this subject. in theory jack had tougher competition, but the courses played in his day are night and day difference to the way they are now. from design, reconstruction, green speeds, maintenance in general. how ever the equipment being used today is far more advanced obviously than what jack used in his day. there are many variables... i don't know

Ugh...Yeah!

Until he passes Jack, then no.
But when you mention Jack's competition you also have to remember that Jack didnt win them as fast as Tiger's been winning them.