Count Jack Nicklaus among those impressed by Tiger Woods’ resurgence in 2018.
The man Woods is most often compared to had some nice words about Woods’ Tour Championship victory this week at the PNC Father/Son, in which he’ll be competing alongside his grandson G.T. — he of hole-in-one at Augusta fame.
Bear Hug!
Hope GT brings those arms & broad shoulders this weekend to carry his Peepaw. Look forward to teeing it up with my 16-yr-old grandson in @PNCFatherSon. My buddy Lee Trevino & son Daniel join us in 1st round. Friends at @golfchannel & @nbcsports have coverage Sat. & Sun. pic.twitter.com/WbNrMbyJQW— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) December 14, 2018
“He won that tournament very nicely and played well,” Nicklaus said, according to Golfweek.com. “I think it’s a big monkey off of his back, I think it’s good for the game. I was very happy for him.”
While Nicklaus’ comments were cordial enough, if pressed, Nicklaus can be one of most thoughtful and candid quotes in the sport. Asked to elaborate on Woods’ win, his season and his swing, the 18-time major champion didn’t disappoint.
Jack Nicklaus on Tiger Woods: “His swing is much better now than it ever was.”
Full comments on Tiger’s comeback: https://t.co/MfDaGv2Dh6 pic.twitter.com/jfPhrvKdca
— Golfweek (@golfweek) December 14, 2018
“I think his swing is much better now than it ever was,” Nicklaus said. “The reason for that is Tiger was very much up and down with his head and I think that put a lot of pressure on his back.
“The fusion that he had, obviously was something he didn’t want but it was something he needed. I didn’t think he would ever play golf as well as he’s playing. I never dreamed that he would play quite as well as he has and that the operation actually leveled out his head and leveled out his swing.”
That’s a pretty encouraging assessment for Tiger fans.
At 78, Nicklaus is still sharp as a whip and he appears to still have some game to back up his opinions.
The great @jacknicklaus will be 79 next month, but it’s still a thrill to see him play @PNCFatherSon ? pic.twitter.com/UpEfuDGxdl
— MattAdamsGC (@MattAdamsFoL) December 14, 2018
Nicklaus and his grandson will tee off on Saturday in the PNC alongside Lee and Daniel Trevino at 10:12 a.m.
