Jack Nicklaus was a force unlike any other in his era.
His record of 18 major championships still stands today, and it is hard to see anyone coming close anytime soon. What is even more remarkable is that he finished second 19 times – another record that might never be touched.
From the early ‘60s through to the mid-80s, Nicklaus won just about everything there was to win. If you were playing in that era and wanted a trophy, chances are you had to go through him first.
But even someone as dominant as Nicklaus had rivals who gave him fits. He competed against some of the best ever, from Arnold Palmer early on to Tom Watson later in his career.
According to Nicklaus himself, there were two players who caused him more problems than anyone else when it mattered most.
Jack Nicklaus named the two players who caused him the most trouble
Nicklaus may have stood out above his peers, but there were still plenty of big names who put together impressive records during his era. Gary Player and Watson combined for 16 majors between them.
Speaking on the ForePlay podcast in 2020, the ‘Golden Bear’ pointed to two players in particular who often got the better of him when it mattered most.
“If I saw Palmer, Player, Casper, Watson, Trevino on the leaderboard, I knew I better play.
“Watson and Trevino were probably the two guys who gave me the most trouble down the stretch. They were both terrific competitors.
“Trevino and I came down the stretch several times, and Watson and I came down the stretch, and frankly they got me probably more than I got them. But truth be known, I probably got them a few times too,” he stated.
Trevino took advantage of Nicklaus’ bunker struggles to win an 18-hole playoff at the 1971 US Open. Around that same time, Watson was building a remarkable record at The Open Championship, as he won five titles during Nicklaus’ prime years.
Despite being one of golf’s fiercest competitors, Nicklaus has always been quick to recognise those who challenged him – and beat him – over his career.
Jack Nicklaus reveals who his favourite player was
While discussing the players who often got the better of him in big moments, Nicklaus also spoke about which opponent he liked facing the most.
“Player had a long career, and a great career. What an athlete. What an interesting guy. He’s my favourite. I love Gary Player. He’s wonderful.”
With nine major championships to his name, only three players have won more than Gary Player: Nicklaus himself, Tiger Woods and Walter Hagen. The South African also became the first non-American to complete the career grand slam when he won the 1965 US Open.
Their careers did overlap, but they did not actually face off that often in crucial moments late in tournaments. One of their rare direct battles came at the 1983 Skins Game, where Player took home $170,000.
And being picked as Nicklaus’ favourite is a pretty special recognition on its own.
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