In a stunning declaration that will reignite the eternal debate, golfing icon Jack Nicklaus has revealed who he considers the sport's true greatest of all time, pointedly overlooking modern giants Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
The Golden Bear's Ultimate Verdict
The 85-year-old legend, whose own record of 18 major championship victories is the benchmark for excellence, bestowed the ultimate honour upon Bobby Jones. The American amateur, who won 13 major titles, retired from competition at the remarkably young age of 28 in 1930. Nicklaus's admiration is profound, having once stated: "Jones is the greatest golfer who ever lived and probably ever will live. That's my goal. Bobby Jones. It's the only goal."
Nicklaus emphasised that Jones's legacy extends far beyond his trophy cabinet. He was the co-founder of the Masters Tournament and the visionary designer of the iconic Augusta National Golf Club, cementing a lasting impact on the sport's fabric that few can match.
Where Do Woods and McIlroy Stand?
This selection means Nicklaus consciously bypassed Tiger Woods, the player most frequently compared to him in the GOAT conversation. Woods has 15 major wins and shares the record for most PGA Tour victories at 82. Nicklaus did, however, show compassion for his rival's plight, acknowledging that Woods's career was derailed by injury.
"If he remained healthy, I think he would've gotten it, but he didn't remain healthy," Nicklaus explained. "We all have injuries... 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 severe back and leg problems for years, a struggle worsened by a 2021 car accident, and has not played competitively since the 2024 Open Championship.
Rory McIlroy, who finally completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters in 2025, also finds himself outside Nicklaus's top spot. The Northern Irishman, now 36, secured his fifth major at Augusta last year but faces a significant challenge to reach the tallies of Nicklaus and Woods.
A Legacy Defined More Than Majors
Nicklaus's choice underscores that the measure of true greatness in golf is not solely found in statistics. For the Golden Bear, Bobby Jones's combination of peerless skill, historic amateur achievements, and foundational contributions to the sport itself sets a standard that remains untouched. While the debate between Nicklaus and Woods will rage on among fans, the man with the most majors has made his personal allegiance clear, anchoring the title of 'greatest' in a different era entirely.
