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Tiger v. Jack: Golf's Great Debate
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SI golf writer and author of Tiger & Phil, Bob Harig's Tiger v. Jack, an examination of the greatest argument in golf—who was better—exploring the records, rivalries, statistics, and context of their illustrious careers, including the intangibles that made them both icons.
When Jack Nicklaus stunningly won the 1986 Masters for his 18th major championship victory, it was a reminder of the greatness of a golfer who had done so much. The major title – six years after his last – brought into focus again the dominance of his career. At the time, nobody was close to him in major wins and the idea of anyone getting within miles of Nicklaus’ major record let alone match or overtake him seemed, frankly, preposterous.
And yet, there was a kid who was just 10 years old when Nicklaus won that last major. Tiger Woods was already thinking about Jack. He would put his accomplishments on a wall by age and try to beat those feats. Eventually, he put Nicklaus’ 18 major titles in his sights, and for the better part of a decade was on pace to match or exceed the record, a remarkable thought itself. The fact that he came up short doesn’t diminish the chase.
In Tiger v. Jack, Bob Harig explores and compares the two legends in a lively examination of the greatest argument in golf—who was better, Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods—exploring the records, rivalries, statistics, and context of their illustrious careers, including the intangibles that made them both icons. They both had their moments of brilliance and dominance. What we’ve seen from Nicklaus and Woods is likely to never be duplicated, all the more reason to celebrate it.
When Jack Nicklaus stunningly won the 1986 Masters for his 18th major championship victory, it was a reminder of the greatness of a golfer who had done so much. The major title – six years after his last – brought into focus again the dominance of his career. At the time, nobody was close to him in major wins and the idea of anyone getting within miles of Nicklaus’ major record let alone match or overtake him seemed, frankly, preposterous.
And yet, there was a kid who was just 10 years old when Nicklaus won that last major. Tiger Woods was already thinking about Jack. He would put his accomplishments on a wall by age and try to beat those feats. Eventually, he put Nicklaus’ 18 major titles in his sights, and for the better part of a decade was on pace to match or exceed the record, a remarkable thought itself. The fact that he came up short doesn’t diminish the chase.
In Tiger v. Jack, Bob Harig explores and compares the two legends in a lively examination of the greatest argument in golf—who was better, Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods—exploring the records, rivalries, statistics, and context of their illustrious careers, including the intangibles that made them both icons. They both had their moments of brilliance and dominance. What we’ve seen from Nicklaus and Woods is likely to never be duplicated, all the more reason to celebrate it.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When golf fans are debating who is the greatest golfer of all time, two names are usually mentioned - Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. While the two golfers played in different eras of the game, their accomplishments are well known and constantly compared. This book by Bob Harig digs deep into their careers and their games to provide his opinion on the debate that many agree on one thing - no matter who you pick, both of them are head and shoulders above everyone else.
The first and last chapter are perfect bookends to the debate. The first chapter covers the 1986 Masters tournament when Jack made a huge charge on the back nine on Sunday to become the oldest winner of the Masters at age 46, good for his 18th major championship. The last chapter is about the 2019 Masters, when Tiger won his 15th major at age 43 after a lengthy drought from majors due to injuries, most notably several back surgeries.
Between those chapters, a reader will learn about the best aspects of each golfer’s game, their first major tournament win, how their career trajectories played out and how they came to be the best of their eras. Harig goes beyond counting wins in majors and PGA wins to provide in-depth information on both golfers. One example of this that I really enjoyed was how both men would intimidate their opponents before teeing off on the first hole. They knew how to exploit any fear or doubt their opponents had which would result in those golfers either trying too hard or making mistakes they normally would not make. This description was very interesting.
There is information on legendary golfers whose marks first Jack, then Tiger, would eventually shatter. Information on Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, and Ben Hogan give a good history of how the four major tournaments became a very important part of a golfer’s career. The sections on each man’s accomplishments outside of just winning majors were also very good. Also interesting was a discussion on how each man became involved in the police of golf during their times - Jack on the PGA’s policy that favored club pros instead of those on the PGA tour, Tiger on the emergence of the rival LIV golf league.
Other golfers, broadcasters, and golf personalities, all from both eras, were included in Haig’s analysis. The last sections before the 2019 Masters where Harig breaks down each man’s game (putting, driving, bunker play, etc), the quality of other players at the time and the size of the field during their time and other statistics, Harig makes his decision and lays it out well. This is an excellent book for those wanting more information on their golfer they choose in this debate.
I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
The first and last chapter are perfect bookends to the debate. The first chapter covers the 1986 Masters tournament when Jack made a huge charge on the back nine on Sunday to become the oldest winner of the Masters at age 46, good for his 18th major championship. The last chapter is about the 2019 Masters, when Tiger won his 15th major at age 43 after a lengthy drought from majors due to injuries, most notably several back surgeries.
Between those chapters, a reader will learn about the best aspects of each golfer’s game, their first major tournament win, how their career trajectories played out and how they came to be the best of their eras. Harig goes beyond counting wins in majors and PGA wins to provide in-depth information on both golfers. One example of this that I really enjoyed was how both men would intimidate their opponents before teeing off on the first hole. They knew how to exploit any fear or doubt their opponents had which would result in those golfers either trying too hard or making mistakes they normally would not make. This description was very interesting.
There is information on legendary golfers whose marks first Jack, then Tiger, would eventually shatter. Information on Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, and Ben Hogan give a good history of how the four major tournaments became a very important part of a golfer’s career. The sections on each man’s accomplishments outside of just winning majors were also very good. Also interesting was a discussion on how each man became involved in the police of golf during their times - Jack on the PGA’s policy that favored club pros instead of those on the PGA tour, Tiger on the emergence of the rival LIV golf league.
Other golfers, broadcasters, and golf personalities, all from both eras, were included in Haig’s analysis. The last sections before the 2019 Masters where Harig breaks down each man’s game (putting, driving, bunker play, etc), the quality of other players at the time and the size of the field during their time and other statistics, Harig makes his decision and lays it out well. This is an excellent book for those wanting more information on their golfer they choose in this debate.
I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!!!
As a very casual golf fan, I enjoyed reading and learning more about several key players in the golf world throughout the years. It is fascinating to see the numbers presented for the individual wins, misses and more! There are so many factors that go into the Tiger v. Jack discussion/debate and I enjoyed reading about what they were thinking and feeling while experiencing some of the biggest moments of their careers! It was also cool to hear from individuals who were there as competitors, fans, journalists and more when they were witnessing history. I did find some of the anecdotes and quotes were repeated throughout the book and while it made sense to include them in multiple chapters, it slowed down the pace of the book a bit for me.
This book would make a great gift for avid and engaged golf fans, especially those that have followed any part of Jack and/or Tiger's careers!
As a very casual golf fan, I enjoyed reading and learning more about several key players in the golf world throughout the years. It is fascinating to see the numbers presented for the individual wins, misses and more! There are so many factors that go into the Tiger v. Jack discussion/debate and I enjoyed reading about what they were thinking and feeling while experiencing some of the biggest moments of their careers! It was also cool to hear from individuals who were there as competitors, fans, journalists and more when they were witnessing history. I did find some of the anecdotes and quotes were repeated throughout the book and while it made sense to include them in multiple chapters, it slowed down the pace of the book a bit for me.
This book would make a great gift for avid and engaged golf fans, especially those that have followed any part of Jack and/or Tiger's careers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC. This book is fantastic. Two GOATs being compared in one book. Anyone who has an interest in golf or its history needs to read this one.
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