Watson v. Nicklaus – Whose is bigger?
Steve Dimeglio of USA Today asked an interesting question on Twitter today: Let debate begin: If tomwatson pulls this off, bigger story than jacknicklaus winning masters in 86? I say over here yes, in states, no.
Personally, I would say ‘yes’ regardless of geography. Not because Watson’s place in golf history will then be (or ever will be) larger than Jack’s, or Tiger’s for that matter. But it’s more of a story due to Watson’s age and, aside from anyone claiming they ‘knew it could happen’, the unexpectedness of what is occurring at Turnberry.
Plus add in the field…Tiger (gone packin) and a slew of other unbelievably talented youth and experienced players. Former major winners, former Open winners, every possible gunshooter taking aim at Watson’s lead tomorrow. With all respect that is due to Jack Nicklaus, a Watson win would be bigger. Way bigger.
But what do you think, whose win would be bigger?
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Trick question? Ask Nicklaus and he would laugh in your face? Of course tomorrow is the biggest event in golf since Nicklaus, he would tell you it isn’t even close. A few other incredible feats since then: Curtis Strange with back-to-back US Opens; Tiger holding all four major trophies at the same time; me shooting 69 and being plus four on the par threes.
What part of British Open Major Championship at age 59 does DiMeglio not understand. I thought we dumped him at USA Today where no one would be subjected to his drivel.
I think it is certainly going to be the biggest/most unexpected/timeless victory SINCE Nicklaus in ’86, if he pulls it off.
But I think DiMeglio was saying is it bigger than what Nicklaus did then? I personally don’t know how anyone could think it isn’t. 46 vs. 59 (damn near 60?) is a helluva a lot of distance in years.
I just hope he doesn’t ‘Norman-it’ hehe.
Watson knew it was over when he muffed the putt on 18 in regulation. You could see it on his face. All the good karma flew off him and he just fizzled out. Imagine if Jack had missed the birdie on the 17th in 1986? Same energy drain would have happened I’ll bet…Norman would have been one up playing 18 and probably wouldn’t have made bogey. For me, Jack’s ’86 Masters still would be better even if Tom had pulled this out. He just made a ton of putts and hit GREAT (not just good) shots coming down that final nine holes.
Nicklaus’ win was a Sunday charge – he had nothing to lose.
Watson had to sleep on the lead Friday AND Saturday night with an army of media hounding him with the “what if” questions that nobody can answer and don’t need to be asked.
Nicklaus was “only” 46 – there have been other champions in that age range but NEVER someone Watson’s age.
Watson held and lost the lead several times over three days – Nicklaus came from behind and took the lead at the end, then got to wait. Watson was one of the last men on the course and had no time to get his head together before the playoff.
No doubt – Watson’s story would have been THE story – even over Nicklaus – but Nicklaus at Augusta would be 1a and still would never be forgotten.