Jack Nicklaus Speaks Out After Tiger Wins Masters: 'Got Me Shaking in My Boots'
In May 2017, Tiger Woods was arrested for DUI.
In July of that year, he dropped out of the top 1,000 in world rankings.
One year ago, his former coach Hank Haney said, “I have not found one touring pro that thinks (Woods) is going to win Augusta. Matter of fact, they think it’s a joke that he’s the favorite.”
On Sunday, Woods became a Masters champion once again, winning his fifth green jacket and 15th major championship.
A year ago, the idea of Woods ever catching golf legend Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championships would have been considered a joke by most.
But now, many people think it’s back on the table, including Nicklaus himself.
After Woods’ historic win, Nicklaus called into the Golf Channel’s post-game show and said it’s not out of the question.
“I thought for a long time that he was going to win again. The next two majors are at Bethpage, where he has won and at Pebble Beach, where he has won. So, he has got me shaking in my boots.” – Jack on Tiger #TheMasters
— Robert Lusetich (@RobertLusetich) April 14, 2019
“Nobody wants their record to be broken … but I really wouldn’t want Tiger to be hurt and not be able to do it. Now he’s pretty healthy and he’s playing well. I wish him well,” he said in the Golf Channel interview.
Nicklaus said there wasn’t any doubt in his mind that Tiger would win after Francisco Molinari hit his tee shot in the water at 12 and double bogeyed to drop back into a tie with Woods at 11-under.
“I’m sitting here watching this and I’m saying, ‘He’s playing so much better than anybody else and he deserved to win,'” Nicklaus said.
“Every shot I saw him play was a smart shot. You’ve got a guy that plays smart shots like that and plays them well and knows what he’s doing and plays with confidence, he should be the winner,” Nicklaus added.
Golf Channel co-host David Duval asked Nicklaus if he thought, 12 months ago, that Tiger would win again.
A big “well done” from me to @TigerWoods! I am so happy for him and for the game of golf. This is just fantastic!!! ??@TheMasters
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) April 14, 2019
“Everybody’s been asking me about Tiger, ‘Can Tiger win again? Will he win another major?” said Nicklaus. “I kept saying, ‘I think so … It all depends on his health.’
“I felt for a long time he was going to win again and the next two majors are at Bethpage (PGA Championship), where he has won, and Pebble Beach (US Open), where he has won, and so you know, he’s got me shaking in my boots, guys,” Nicklaus said.
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