Jack Nicklaus reveals what Tiger Woods told him at the Masters
Tiger Woods was full of confidence in his game when heading to the Masters in April, but there was always one thing holding him back
Tiger Woods’ competitive future on the PGA Tour could be more doubtful than ever after the latest round of surgery on his foot.
As per usual, he was full of optimism heading to the Masters last month but, despite making the cut, Woods trudged around Augusta National and withdrew without completing the third round.
He underwent surgery on April 19 and now his participation in the next three majors, or any more beyond 2023 for that matter, is likely up in smoke.
Speaking at the Greats of Golf exhibition on the PGA Tour Champions, Jack Nicklaus gave a small insight into Woods’ mindset before he headed down Magnolia Lane.
Although making the cut in a major field was some achievement, there was one key thing holding the 15-time major winner back.
“I don’t know a whole lot about what he’s been through,” Nicklaus said. “He’s showed a lot of guts and courage to play and try to be part of what’s going on with the way he’s been. He’s actually swinging pretty well – he just can’t walk.”
The pair, with 155 PGA Tour titles – including 33 majors – between them, allegedly sit next to each other at the Champions Dinner on a regular basis.
Woods sounded excited to show good form at a tournament he’s won five times but – as Nicklaus has found out aged 83 – time waits for no one, especially for a person involved in a serious car crash just over two years ago.
The age-old debate about who is the greatest ever between Nicklaus and Woods has rumbled on, and will rumble on for many more years, but the Golden Bear heard it from the horse’s mouth that his great rival and friend’s current inability to walk is a real issue.
“We talk quite a bit. He said, ‘I’m really playing well, I’m hitting the ball great, my short game’s great, my putting’s good. I just can’t walk.’ And he says, ‘If it helps where I can walk, I’m willing to do it.’
“He wouldn’t be having the operations if he wasn’t interested in wanting to continue to play. He’s a very motivated and dedicated young man to continue to play the game of golf.”
“The dedicated young doesn’t last very long.”
His age of 47 and the clear, lasting effects of his car accident from 2021 would suggest this is a mountain Woods can’t climb, but we’ve been here before haven’t we?
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
