What comes to mind when we say a major winner? Tiger Woods? Rory McIlroy? Those are great guesses, but for many golf enthusiasts, the first name that pops up is the one and only Jack Nicklaus. The Golden Bear’s impressive resume boasts an unprecedented 18 major championships, solidifying his spot as one of the greatest golfers of all time.

Nicklaus’s remarkable career spanned over two decades, from 1962 to 1986, and included six Masters titles, five PGA Championships, four U.S. Open titles, and three British Open victories. One of his most iconic moments came in 1966, when he pulled off an epic back-to-back Masters win. He dominated the field from the get-go, leading after the first round, and then went on to crush it in the 18-hole playoff against Gary Brewer and Tommy Jacobs.

What’s more mind-blowing is the fact that Nicklaus shot a ridiculous 70 in that playoff, leaving Jacobs’s 72 and Brewer’s 78 in the dust. His performance under pressure was truly impressive, showcasing his exceptional skill and experience. However, as it seems, Nicklaus’s amazing display of gameplay is just not enough to impress PGA Tour pro John Daly.

In the latest episode of Phil Mickelson’s YouTube channel, John Daly shared his unfiltered thoughts on golf history, and one comment in particular raised eyebrows. Daly boldly stated that Phil Mickelson’s epic duel with Henrik Stenson at the 2016 Open Championship was the greatest major he’s ever witnessed. “The greatest opens or championships like Nickluas had what 70-something seconds in tournaments, but the greatest major I’ve ever seen was when you and Henrik were going at it,” Daly said, addressing Mickelson directly.

“”You played your off… I mean, what, did you shoot the last round? 65, 66, and got beat. That was probably one of the greatest Majors I’ve ever seen in my life, cuz you guys, it was just you guys dueling it out.” Daly’s admiration for that major was palpable, and he even went so far as to say that if anyone else besides Stenson had been competing, Mickelson would have won the 2016 Open Championship by a landslide – 12 to 15 shots, to be exact.

Daly’s comments were a nod to the incredible golf on display that week, with both Mickelson and Stenson pushing each other to new heights. ” I was there, it wasn’t easy… I just couldn’t believe what y’all were shooting. I mean, it was a birdie fest, and it was awesome to watch.” Daly’s honest take on golf history was refreshing, and his admiration for Mickelson’s and Stenson’s performances was clear. But what exactly was so special about their battle?

Why Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenon’s duel is an important chapter in the history of golf

Taking it back to the 2016 Open Championship, golf enthusiasts still rave about the epic duel between Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson. It’s a matchup that’s still talked about today, and for good reason. These two golf legends went toe-to-toe in a heart-stopping contest that showcased their incredible talent. As Mickelson recalled, he’d actually predicted Stenson’s major win a month earlier at the US Open, saying, “Henrik, you’re one of the greatest long iron players in the game’s history. The best I’ve ever seen. You’re gonna win your major.” Little did he know that his prophecy would come true just a few weeks later.

Their duel at Royal Troon was nothing short of legendary. Stenson took home his first major title, shooting a record 20 under to beat Mickelson by three shots. Mickelson, on the other hand, played some of the best golf of his life – but ultimately came up short. As Mickelson later reflected, “It’s taken eight years, but I’m genuinely happy about your performance and your win.” Stenson, too, looks back fondly on that week, calling it “a fantastic week of golf for both of us.” Their rivalry may have been brief, but its impact on the sport is lasting. In fact, Mickelson has even joked that it’s an honor to have played one of the greatest games in major golf history… and still lost. What was your favorite part of the 2016 Open Championship battle? Let us know in the comment section below!