Jack Nicklaus Reflects on ‘Young Man’ Tiger Woods’ Return and His ‘Suck It Up’ Attitude

Tiger Woods made his comeback to competitive golf at the 2022 Masters. The 15-time major championship winner played brilliantly at Augusta National Golf Club. Recently, the six-time Masters champion and golf legend Jack Nicklaus spoke about Woods’ comeback to golf and his performance at the event.

Woods made probably the most remarkable comebacks in golf history at the 86th Masters. The World Golf Hall of Fame member played his first event since sustaining severe injuries due to a near-fatal car accident in February 2021. Tiger was out from golf for nearly nine months. Furthermore, the 46-year-old professional made a solid finish to his 2022 Masters campaign with a fine final round.

Jack Nicklaus speaks about Tiger Woods’ comeback

Nicklaus is himself a 73-time winner on the PGA Tour and holds the record for most victories at Augusta National. Last week, the golden bear spoke about Tiger’s comeback on the SiriusXM PGA Tour Inside the Ropes. While reflecting on the 82-time PGA Tour winner’s performance at the major championship ever, Nicklaus spoke encouraging words for Tiger.

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Nicklaus said, “I couldn’t possibly give you any idea what he went through the last 14 months. I think only Tiger could do that. I’m sure that what he went through was very difficult. Tiger’s a very driven young man with a great work ethic and he’s got a great desire to do the best he can.”

He even gave a glimpse of Woods’ decision to play in the major championship event. Nicklaus added, “He says, ‘You know, I know I’m gonna hurt. The doctors told me I’m gonna hurt. I accept that. What am I gonna be next year? And [the doctor] says, ‘You’re still gonna hurt. Well, why in the world would I wait a year to play if I know I’m gonna hurt both years? Why don’t I just get back and start playing and just suck it up”

Nicklaus’ words prove the love and admiration he has for Woods. At the same time, it demonstrates how determined Woods was to play at Augusta National Golf Club. It also reveals his fondness to play at the Masters despite going through immense pain. It is truly awe-inspiring.

What did Woods shoot in the last round on Sunday?

Tiger made a solid finish to his 2022 Masters campaign. The former World Number One carded a final round of six-over-par, 78. The five-time Masters champion finished the event with an overall score of 13-over-par, finishing in solo 47th position. Furthermore, he also made the 22nd consecutive cut at the major championship event. His final round of six-over-par included one birdie and three bogeys on the opening nine holes. He made two birdies and one double bogey on the back nine to make the turn in four-over-par, 40.

Woods may not have finished the way he wanted on the leaderboard. However, the entire golf world loved to see probably the most incredible professional of all time back in action at a place where he enjoys playing the most.

Will Woods tee it up at the PGA Championship, the second major championship of the 2022 season? What do you think about Nicklaus’ words?

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