Jack vs. Tiger: Who's the Greatest Golfer?

[uscamaro]

I like Jack because he is classic, but Tiger will definitely take that over in the coming years.

[Golfer_NOT]

Like what's been previously said, I wasn't around during Jack's prime, all I know is Tiger. Go Tiger!

[paqnheat]

Tiger..not even close in my opinion

[Arbor12]

I didn't really follow golf until Tiger, plus I'm younger so I really didn't have a chance to see Jack. They are both the greatest of their times.

[RobotDoctor]

I voted for Jack Nicklaus primarily because he has 18 professional majors, and finished second another 18 times. Make no mistake, Tiger Woods is a tremendous golfer, definitely the golfer of a generation and the best on tour today. Tiger is a better wedge player and short iron player than Jack. I would give Jack the nod in terms of long irons and woods. One thing to keep in mind is that Jack played persimmon woods and archaic irons for much of his career. Even the MP29s that Tiger played were better than the VIPs Jack played. Also, Jack played MacGregor 945 woods for much of his career. And while the 945 persimmon woods of the 50s were the best persimmon woods probably ever made, they do not compare with the metal (titanium woods) Tiger is playing. As a player that used to game persimmon woods of the 1950s (no, I am not that old ), I can say that the drivers of today are so much easier to hit than the persimmons. Also, Jack played a OTR MacGregor balata ball for much of his career and those balls were horrible, even in the day. Tiger has benefited from Titleist or Nike (custom balls for his game).

When adding the intangibles, I would give Jack the edge. I just wonder how Tiger would fare using the same equipment that Jack did. Would Jack's record have been even more awe inspiring had he played the same equipment (in his prime) that Tiger does now? Unfortunately those questions will never be answered.

The following picture is the driver Jack played much of his career, a MacGregor 945TW Eye-O-Matic driver (1954-1955 vintage). This is one of a few classic MacGregor drivers I own.

[hfhjr]

Still Jack, but not for long.

[hfhjr]

Jack, because of longevity only. Harry

[hfhjr]

Jack is still the man.

[Ryanrocksfender]

Tiger for sure

[Beretta_Shooter]

I'll vote Tiger. Jack was fantastic but Tiger plays on his own tour.

[tsola]

i'm goin with tiger

[michaeltak]

I say Tiger is the greater golfer. But he wouldn't be without Jack's contributions to golf.

[MowShow]

Jack for a few more years..

[jrjones]

I think that the competition was a lot greater when Jack was in his prime. Also, they didn't have all of the technical advancements that the players have today.

[bradwillrockyou]

I'm a traditionalist - I'm going with Jack.

[Les]

As much as i want to say Jack i honestly believe that it will be Tiger. If only for the reason that he has such a great imagination. Jack was a tradionalist while Tiger just doesn't know that you shouldnt be able to hit some types of shots so he pulls the trigger and makes them work.

[infoe]

Soon there will be someone that will be better than Tiger. Its the way of Evolution. Being 28 and just getting into golf Id have to say tiger. He's definately brought the game into "another" golden age.

[indacup]

It will never be decided....all a matter of each persons emotional state as to which they select as the best.

In all probability, Tiger will beat Jacks Major record...but Tiger also had a lot of tools (modern day advantages) not available to Jack.

When comparing golfers from two different eras, theres simply too many variables.

Tiger will obviously be looked back upon as the best of his generation.....Jack his, Jones his...etc.

But to compare one generation to another is simply conjecture....nothing more.