Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has shared his personal “Mount Rushmore of Golf,” naming the four players he believes best represent the sport’s greatness. While there could be few arguments about his picks, the 18-time major champion sparked debate among fans with one big omission.
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Bobby Jones and Tiger Woods Among Nicklaus’s Pick
Nicklaus has won the most major championships in history with 18 victories, and fans widely regard him as one of the greatest golfers ever. “Probably Bobby Jones, probably Ben Hogan, probably Tiger Woods. I’d like to join them. Myself — that’s four,” the 85-year-old replied when asked to name his Mount Rushmore of golf.
Jack Nicklaus names his all-time Mount Rushmore of golfers. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jReQBG2vOB
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) August 14, 2025
At the top of Nicklaus’s list is Bobby Jones, the amateur icon who shaped golf’s early years. Jones’s record speaks volumes. He won 13 major championships, including the remarkable Grand Slam in 1930. Beyond his achievements, he co-founded the Masters Tournament, ensuring his influence on the sport would last for generations.
Next on Nicklaus’s list is Ben Hogan, whose career is best remembered for his nine major titles. After surviving a near-fatal car crash in 1949, Hogan defied the odds to win six more majors. His dedication to perfecting the golf swing made him a legend in both skill and spirit — qualities that clearly earned Nicklaus’s admiration.
Nicklaus’s third pick is Tiger Woods, the man widely credited with bringing golf into a new era. With 15 majors and 82 PGA Tour wins, Woods’s competitive fire and unmatched athleticism transformed the game. Nicklaus noted that Tiger’s impact is undeniable — not just in his record, but in how he changed the way golf is seen and played around the world.
Finally, Nicklaus included himself on his Mount Rushmore. While it might seem bold, his record more than justifies the choice. He won 117 professional tournaments, including 73 PGA Tour wins, while his 18 major championships remain unmatched.
No Place For Arnold Palmer in Nicklaus’s Mount Rushmore
While Nicklaus’s choices are hard to argue with, there was no place for Arnold Palmer. Nicklaus became close friends with his rival Palmer, and together with Gary Player they dominated golf in the 1960s. Palmer won 62 PGA Tour titles and is still fifth in all-time victories behind Sam Snead, Woods, Nicklaus, and Hogan. He died in 2016 at age 87.
While some might disagree with Nicklaus’s picks, Mount Rushmore lists are always subjective, as every golfer and fan uses different measures of greatness to make their picks. For instance, Tiger Woods included Jack Nicklaus, Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, and himself in his Mount Rushmore. Nicklaus picked the players who, in his view, shaped golf the most, even if not everyone agrees.
Main Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
