In his new book, The Golf 100, Michael Arkush ranked the top 100 golfers of all time, men and women, with Jack Nicklaus taking the top spot over Tiger Woods. Despite Woods’ peak dominance, Nicklaus’s entire body of work and impact on the game earn him the honor of being ranked number one. During his research, Arkush began to question if the greatest of all time was actually Bobby Jones, who won 13 majors in just 21 appearances from 1923 to 1930. Yet, Jones still ranked behind Nicklaus and Ben Hogan in Arkush’s ranking, with Arnold Palmer and top female golfer Mickey Wright rounding out the top five.
Arkush’s algorithm for ranking golfers awarded points for major victories, with Nicklaus’s 20 titles, 19 seconds, and nine thirds outweighing Woods’ seven seconds and four thirds. While Woods had the potential to surpass Nicklaus, injuries and personal scandals prevented him from reaching that goal. Nicklaus, on the other hand, maintained a level of consistency and maintained his composure throughout his career. When Arkush presented Nicklaus with a copy of his book, it marked their first conversation since 2000 when Arkush wrote for Golf World magazine.
Arkush’s in-depth research for The Golf 100 included interviews with roughly 100 sources and studying magazines dating back to 1950. Despite a strong case for Jones as the greatest golfer of all time, Nicklaus’s overall impact and longevity secured his top ranking. Other notable golfers in the top 10 of Arkush’s list included Sam Snead, Walter Hagen, Byron Nelson, and Harry Vardon. Arkush’s criteria for ranking golfers considered not only major victories but also their influence on the game and contributions to its history.
The debate between Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the greatest golfer of all time is a hot topic among fans and experts. While Woods may have had moments of peak dominance, Nicklaus’s consistent success and contributions to the game set him apart in Arkush’s rankings. The algorithm used by Arkush favored Nicklaus due to his numerous major titles and high placements throughout his career. Woods’ injuries and personal issues prevented him from surpassing Nicklaus in terms of major victories, despite coming close with 15 during his career.
Despite the ongoing debate, the consensus among experts is that both Nicklaus and Woods have left an indelible mark on the sport of golf. Their rivalry and accomplishments have captivated fans for decades and will continue to be a source of discussion for years to come. Through his research and analysis, Arkush sheds light on the achievements of these legendary golfers and offers a unique perspective on their impact on the game. The Golf 100 serves as a comprehensive guide to the greatest golfers of all time, providing insight into their careers and legacies for fans of the sport to appreciate.
