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The 2023 Masters Tournament is fast approaching, and with it, boundless excitement. While thinking of the iconic field of the event next weekend, one can’t help but address the elephant in the room. Or, in this case, the tiger and the bear! Tiger Woods will be stepping foot on Augusta National next week, for the 25th time in his career. While he does so, one major question runs through everyone’s mind. Can he do the impossible once more and rewrite the history that Jack Nicklaus created six decades ago?
Jack Nicklaus vs. Tiger Woods: the Masters battle
In 1986, Jack Nicklaus created history by accomplishing an inconceivable feat. Not only did he take home his 18th major championship win with a Masters victory that year, but that 1986 win at Augusta saw him take home his 6th Green Jacket—the most any golfer has ever won in the history of the event! But that history is now in jeopardy, and all thanks to the one chasing down his records: Tiger Woods.
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ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – JULY 12: Jack Nicklaus of the United States and Tiger Woods of the United States outside The R&A Clubhouse before the Past Champions Dinner prior to The 150th Open at St Andrews Old Course on July 12, 2022 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Stuart Kerr/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
With Woods, who won himself his 5th Master Trophy in 2019 after a spectacular comeback, taking the iconic Augusta course this week. If the golf pro does go on to win this week, not only will he match Nicklaus’ Masters wins, but he will also go on to break the record that the 83-year-old set for being the oldest winner at the Augusta event. And maybe he can then go on to take the upper hand in the GOAT debate.
Read More – Tiger Woods vs Jack Nicklaus: Side-by-Side Comparison of Major Championship Records
At 46 years and 82 days, the ‘Golden Bear’ won his 18th major, and although a win this week would only be Woods’ 16th major championship, it would rewrite Nicklaus’ oldest Masters winner record since Woods is now well past 47 years. So will the old golf legend’s records be smashed by the 82-time PGA Tour pro next week? If so, can he maybe fuel that to grab a victory?
How likely is it that Woods will win the Masters?
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The big question, of course, remains as to whether Woods really has a chance at winning the Masters this year. The field of course is as competitive as it gets, and the last time Woods played, he tied for 45th nearly 2 months ago at the Genesis Invitational. Then there is also the case of his injuries. Since late last year, he’s been suffering from a severe case of plantar fasciitis, which has hampered his game.
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Tiger Woods of the United States celebrates with the Masters Trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
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With so much going against him, it’s quite clear why many doubt whether the golf legend can pull off a win next week. But he is Tiger Woods after all. In 2019 too, he silenced the haters with a win at Augusta despite many counting him out. So perhaps he can do it once more?
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What do you think Woods’ chances are at winning his 16th major and matching Nicklaus’ Masters record? Let us know in the comments below.