“At his peak, he was the greatest golfer of all time”
Nope. Jack and Arnie
Arnold was the first prototype of the modern golfer 🏌️
Arnie was a shooting star - seven majors in less than ten years but he came along at just the right time with the onset of televised golf and was perfect for it. On top of that he was a genuine gentleman and a genuine charmer and a very astute businessman. Which translated to one of the most successful sports / business careers in history.
When Nicklaus beat him at the US Open at Oakmont - in Arnie's back yard - in 1962, the guard officially changed.
I disagree.
The level of competition and prize money was much higher when Woods turned pro, at age 20.
In his first year, Woods won three tournaments, plus The Masters (by a record 12 strokes), and was ranked #1 in the world.
Jack Nicklaus was a close second best, and Nicklaus maintained a high level of performance for many more years than Woods did.
Arnold Palmer had some great years and might make the Top Five.
Tiger Woods - playing his best game - would have beat Jack Nicklaus - playing his best game.