Gary Player said Tom Weiskopf had better skills than Jack Nicklaus despite winning only one major championship. The South African golf legend made the claim during an interview with The Golfer’s Journal, where he praised Weiskopf’s technique but pointed to his mentality as the limiting factor in his career.
“Tom Weiskopf was a better golfer than Nicklaus. He really could play. But he won one major because he did not have it! He had the technique but he did not have it (mentality),” Player said. He added that Weiskopf should have won about 15 majors given his technical ability, but his mindset prevented him from reaching that level.
Weiskopf’s major triumph came at The Open in 1973, and he won 16 PGA Tour titles overall. Player acknowledged his ball-striking quality but contrasted it with Nicklaus’s mental strength and ability to perform under pressure. Nicklaus holds the record with 18 major wins, widely regarded as the greatest in golf history.
Player’s remarks came while reflecting on the importance of mental strength in the sport. “You meet people in business, in marriage and it’s very interesting, to see how that mind works,” he said. He also criticised the modern focus on long driving, saying putting and mental resilience are more important.
“I always tell people that all I hear about today is long-hitting. It’s an asset but it is not a necessity. What is a necessity is a special mind and to be a great putter. Driving, these pros hit eight of them a day, but they hit 29 putts, yet all the emphasis is put on driving.”
Player pointed to Tiger Woods as an example of a player who won because of his putting ability and mental strength rather than sheer distance off the tee.
The rivalry between Player and Nicklaus was well known in the 1960s and 1970s, with the two players often competing for titles and major championships. Despite their competitive relationship, Player maintained a close friendship with Nicklaus and has always expressed admiration for his achievements.
Still, Player’s view that Weiskopf was a better golfer than Nicklaus challenges conventional wisdom about the sport’s history. While Weiskopf’s skill was unquestionable, Nicklaus’s combination of technique, mental toughness, and clutch putting under pressure set him apart.
Weiskopf’s career often invites debate about what might have been if he had matched his technical talent with Nicklaus’s mental game. Player’s comments underline that golf demands more than just physical skill, it requires a mindset capable of handling intense pressure in the biggest moments.
At 88 years old, Player remains outspoken on golf topics and continues to share his perspective on the game’s greats. His assessment of Weiskopf and Nicklaus adds to the conversation about how champions are made beyond raw talent and statistics.
According to Yahoo Sports.
