Question of the week [Nov. 3-9]: Gary Player, 90, says the three best players ever are Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and himself. Who do you believe are golf's three greatest players?
The First Call Inbox archives | View
— — — — — — —
If you look at records, Gary Player has a valid case. Clearly Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, and then him.
If you then factor in his astounding travel issues, it strengthens his case. He flew commercial, connecting flights, schlepping clubs, etc. The case for Arnold Palmer as a golf ambassador is strong, but once you vary from empirical evidence into the subjective areas, things get cloudy. If character were a factor, even Woods would be iffy.
So I’d go strictly off the record book and put Player third.
Vinny Mooney
Poughkeepsie, New York
—————
Sorry Gary, no one ever stopped to watch you hit balls. Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan.
Vince Zachetti
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
—————
Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan.
Ben Leary
Charlotte, North Carolina
—————
My picks for the top three greatest golfers of all time would be:
1. Jack Nicklaus
2. Tiger Woods
3. Bobby Jones
The third was certainly the most difficult. I think there were a number of greats in the mix, including Arnold Palmer, the Wee Iceman Ben Hogan, and for those fortunate to see him hit a golf ball the legendary Moe Norman. Contrary to what Gary Player thinks of himself, I would have to rank him seventh or eighth.
Paul Vicary
The Villages, Florida
—————
Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Scottie Scheffler.
Gary Rapaport
Scottsdale, Arizona
—————
In my opinion Jack Nicklaus is No. 1, Tiger Woods is No. 2 and Ben Hogan is No. 3.
Glenn Marshall
Naples, Florida
—————
Hands down Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan. I would add a fourth — Bobby Jones. The interesting point is that Nicklaus is the only one who had a full and lengthy career without major injury, military service or early retirement. I sincerely believe that Ben Hogan or Tiger Woods would be at the top in majors if their careers were not so affected. And Bobby Jones ... ?
Michael Horn
Phoenix, Arizona
—————
I look at it this way: If you're good and respected enough for anyone to ask your opinion on the matter, and you honestly include yourself, why not? Additionally, the man is 90 years old, and still playing, so you've got to concede if only on the matter of longevity.
Mark Potnick
Columbus, Ohio
—————
My top three:
1. Jack Nicklaus. Take his seconds and thirds in the majors and it's scary to think about the opportunities lost, much less what he won.
2. Tiger Woods. Hit the most amazing shots at the right time, more than anyone.
3. Tie: Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Gary Player. I guess I get tired of Player blowing his on horn at any opportunity.
Barry Duckworth
Knoxville, Tennessee
—————
My suggestions would be Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Bobby ones in that order with Arnold Palmer and Ben Hogan rounding out my top five. Gary Player might find his way into my top 10, though grudgingly.
Pete Croppo
Bayfield, Ontario
—————
Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Byron Nelson.
Bob Norris
Cincinnati, Ohio
—————
1. Jack Nicklaus.
T2. Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player.
6. Seve Ballesteros.
Randy DeBolt
Fargo, North Dakota
—————
1. Jack Nicklaus
2. Tiger Woods
3. Bob Jones
If there were to be a Mount Rushmore, it would only be right to add both Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson side by side.
Joseph Greenberg
Hollywood, South Carolina / London, England
—————
The First Call invites reader comment. Write to editor Stuart Hall at shall@buffalogroupe.com. Your name and city of residence is necessary to be considered for publication. If your comment is selected for publication, The First Call will contact you to verify the authenticity of the email and confirm your identity. We will not publish your email address. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.
Front: From left, Byron Nelson, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ben Hogan and Augusta National Golf Club co-found and chairman Clifford Roberts.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons