The next Nicklaus
I used to remember watching golf in the ’80s. Back then, TV commentators regularly tried to predict who would become the “next Nicklaus.” At one point in time, Hal Sutton, Scott Verplank, Gary Nicklaus, and even John Daly at Crooked Stick were all compared to Jack Nicklaus. Besides having blonde hair, all were respectable golfers–some more than others. Hard to imagine that John Daly would become the most successful golfer, in terms of majors, out of that group!
Although Tiger Woods is still very young (31), you practically never hear any commentator talk about the “next Tiger.” I think the reason is very simple: Tiger sets the bar, he will never be matched in talent, determination, and charisma. Except for his driving accuracy, it’s hard to think of any area where Tiger has shortcomings. And it’s hard to dislike the guy when he’s so gracious in both victory and defeat, never really saying a bad word about anyone.
The bottom line is that there will never be the “next Tiger.” Tiger’s it.
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