Tiger Woods Says He Can Still Beat Jack Nicklaus’ Major Record

Despite not having won a major since 2008, Tiger Woods still believes he can top Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major titles.

Tiger Woods Says He Can Still Beat Jack Nicklaus’ Major Record

The 40-year-old golfer and 14-time major champion stated he is “progressing nicely” after a third back operation in October, but also added that he has no idea exactly when he will return to play competitively. Woods said he won’t resume his career until he can practice, play and recover with no ill effects. Woods said he doesn’t know whether his return would come “next week or a year from now.”

Nicklaus, who is nicknamed the “Golden Bear,” won his last three majors past the age of 40, including his famous 1986 Masters title as a 46-year-old.

“I think his major championship record is certainly still attainable,” Woods told reporters at a media day for the PGA Tour’s Quicken Loans National tournament that he hosts at Congressional Country Club in Maryland.

Woods is also seeking to beat Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour victories– he currently sits at second on the list with 79 titles, the last of which came in August 2013.

“It would be nice to end up at No. 1 on both lists,” he said. “That’s a long way away and it’s going to take time to get to that point but hopefully I can get back out here and play to that level.”

Although he hasn’t played since last August, Woods sparked rumors of a return with a series of public demonstrations at various engagements over the past month.

His rustiness showed when he hit all three of his wedge shots into the water during a mini par-three competition.