Tiger Woods Once Snubbed Jack Nicklaus’s 18 Majors Feat Amid Choosing Family Over Career: ‘Much More Important’

In the 27 years of his career, Tiger Woods broke many records. But one record he has not been able to break so far is that of legendary Jack Nicklaus. The 18 major victories of the 83-year-old have remained unbreakable to date, but Woods sure has come close to the Golden Bear’s record. Every golf fan has waited for Woods to become the golfer with the most major wins, but it is something that golfers do not want to prioritize, as they have shared with him in the past.

Almost 8 years ago, while going through a tough phase, on the eve of his 40th birthday, Woods described why he would not prioritize the aspiring dream to outshine Nicklaus’s major record. The 82-time PGA Tour winner explained that, on the course of struggling with his constant injuries and his career being abruptly stopped, he would rather put his family first than golf.

Tiger Woods had put his career goal second on the priority list

In 2015, Tiger Woods appeared in an exclusive interview with Lorne Rubenstein of the Times. At the time, the five-time Masters champion was struggling, personally and professionally. With an ice pack on his back, Woods talked about past relationships, his family, and breaking Jack Nicklaus’s major record.

While talking about the major records, it seemed that Woods did not aspire to clinch the record at the stake of his breaking health or his family. When asked by Rubenstein that it has been rumored that the major record was Woods, one of the driving forces, and if his career suddenly stopped courtesy of various injuries, what would he do?

To which the 15x major champion gave an honest answer and said, “I don’t want it to happen. Without a doubt, I do not.” He asserted that he doesn’t want to stop playing golf. At the same time, he also did not want to risk his children in any manner. He said, “My kids’ lives are much more important to me,” and he would not put his kids on the line for his career.

But if he can do both in “an ideal world,” then it’ll be a “win-win” for him. However, if he had to choose between his career goals and kids, it would be his kids. “If I could only do one, it wouldn’t be golf. It would be my kids,” said Woods.

Woods’s career had always been afflicted by injuries every once in a while. His recent return to golf is an example of it. As for him breaking the record in actuality, the record bearer didn’t think that Woods was capable anymore.

Jack Nicklaus thinks Tiger Woods can’t beat his majors record

Recently, the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus sat with the Golf Channel and expressed his thoughts on Tiger Woods breaking his record. The Golden Bear first agreed that Woods could achieve what he set his mind to. But he certainly can’t break his major feat. But despite his exceptional skills, the 18-time major winner recalled the various injuries Woods has gone through and how they have weakened him.

Read More: Despite a Tragic Two-Year Break, Daniel Berger Sets Up a Major Upset for Struggling Tiger Woods

Nicklaus explained that if he had remained healthy, there was a probability of Woods beating his record. However, since he isn’t as healthy as his prime, Woods may not achieve the heralded feat. Nicklaus also did not disregard the possibility entirely but was certain that his historical record would “probably stand for a while.”

With Woods now preparing to play one tournament a month, he will be playing the 2024 Masters in April. A question arises: Does Tiger Woods still have it in him to clinch the 16th major win? Only time will tell.

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