Nicklaus Questioned Whether Player Could Thrive in Modern Golf

The Golden Bear doubted the South African legend's ability to compete with today's power hitters.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In a 2008 interview, golf legend Jack Nicklaus expressed doubts about whether his longtime rival Gary Player would have found the same level of success in the modern game, which Nicklaus believes has shifted heavily towards power over shotmaking.

Why it matters

Comparing players across different eras is always a challenge, as the game evolves with changes in equipment, course conditions, and the overall depth of talent on tour. Nicklaus' perspective provides insight into how the game's greats view the shifting priorities in professional golf.

The details

Nicklaus suggested that while Player's remarkable talent and international record are undeniable, the South African's smaller stature and emphasis on shotmaking over raw power may have put him at a disadvantage in the modern game, which Nicklaus believes is now "80 percent power and 20 percent shotmaking." Player was known to often be the first to hit into the green when paired with longer hitters like Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

  • In 2008, Nicklaus made these comments in an interview with Golf Digest.

The players

Jack Nicklaus

A legendary American golfer who won a record 18 major championships and is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Gary Player

A South African golfer who won 9 major championships and is one of only 6 players to complete the career Grand Slam.

Arnold Palmer

An American golfer who was one of the most charismatic and influential players in the history of the sport, winning 7 major titles.

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What they’re saying

“The pro game used to be 80 percent shotmaking and about 20 percent power. There were certain courses where power was a bigger factor, when the rough was down or the fairways were wide, and I absolutely tried to take advantage of it, because I had that element. I remember one round in New Orleans I drove the ball on the green of three par fours. I used power when it was prudent, and I could switch gears in the middle of a round.”

— Jack Nicklaus (Golf Digest)

“But from what I see, the pro game has switched to where it's about 80 percent power and 20 percent shotmaking. Today, a Gary Player, a Ben Hogan, as talented as they were but with smaller statures, would have much less of a chance of being the best in the world.”

— Jack Nicklaus (Golf Digest)

The takeaway

Nicklaus' comments highlight the evolving nature of professional golf, where power has become an increasingly dominant factor compared to the shotmaking skills that defined previous eras. This raises questions about how all-time greats like Gary Player might have fared in today's game, and underscores the challenge of comparing players across different generations.