Jack at PNC. GOAT putter

[Swisstrader98]

Just nice to be living in a time where we can watch one of the greatest still play.

 

I also love the father/son format. Don’t know why but I could watch Daly and his son all day long.

[deadsolid...shank]

Told the wife, sure is good to get to watch Jack play again.

 

My DVR got messed up so I didn’t see the end. Who ended up winning, and how did Jack and GT finish? Thanks.

[Gautama]

What always strikes me is that what made him great is the six inches between his ears. You always read that he could almost will it into the hole.

 

That's why all the debate about whether players are better today because of their strength training and more technical approach to learning misses the point for me. All these guys are good, and the best from any era would fall about the same mean if you somehow transported them to another place and time. It's the mental stuff that makes the champions. Tiger in 1953 would have been Tiger. Hogan in 2018 would be Hogan. And apparently on the greens anyway, Jack in 2018 is Jack.

[WidespreadPanic]

It's interesting that no one today really tried to emulate his putting style/stance.

 

I was thinking about it today and in a way he kind of creates an anchor for the putter by pushing all of his body parts together so nothing moves accepts his hands, arms and shoulders.

 

And he breaks his wrist more and therefore has less arm/shoulder movement. I think there is something to this stroke physiologically.

 

I've tried a stroke where I only use my wrists and it can be deadly accurate because nothing else moves so the face always returns square. The problem is distance control. Jack combines a wrist stroke with a small arm/shoulder stroke for possibly the perfect balance of the two.

 

Good analysis. I believe not using at least a little wrist break while putting is very unnatural. We're not robots.

No wrist action makes lag putting way harder than it needs to be.

[Swisstrader98]

I used to love when Jack putted with a lot of wrist and that little piston action with his right hand. He was all hands in thise days with putting. I know greens were different but still fun to watch. I tried to do that very handsy putter stroke and I was out of control?

[Santiago Golf]

Yesterday I was thinking to myself “Today, I could beat Jack head to head” and then I started to doubt myself. Considering he’s 79 and I’m approximately 50 years younger, much longer, and a plus handicap, that’s saying something. He’s got a competitive edge that can still propel him as a nearly octogenarian. That’s insane.

 

I’m someone who strongly believes nobody has played golf better than Tiger Woods, but I believe Jack was the best putter. I can’t even imagine how many events Jack would win in today’s game, driving it long and straight, hitting high straight irons, and making putts from everywhere (or lagging long ones to tap in distance, which he was legendary at). His game was arguably better designed for today’s era than his. Imagine Dustin Johnson with a legendary putting stroke and a genius level golf IQ.

 

DJ can't even imagine what a genius level golf IQ is!

 

DJ is smarter than people think

[Hawkeye77]

Told the wife, sure is good to get to watch Jack play again.

 

My DVR got messed up so I didn’t see the end. Who ended up winning, and how did Jack and GT finish? Thanks.

 

Love and Love - 16 under Sunday, and new overall record.

 

Jack and GT were a ways back, just weren't getting close to the hole Sunday when I was watching.

[Cwebb]

Does anyone happen to know what length putters Nicklaus used. I don't recall ever hearing this discussed

[DavePelz4]

It's heart warming to see nearly 80 year old Jack Nicklaus rolling in putts.

[Ferguson]

I can assure you, the sight of Jack sinking an 18-footer would cause you to dismiss all thoughts of the tournament around you and stand............how shall I put this................... in awe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[dlygrisse]

Yesterday I was thinking to myself "Today, I could beat Jack head to head" and then I started to doubt myself. Considering he's 79 and I'm approximately 50 years younger, much longer, and a plus handicap, that's saying something. He's got a competitive edge that can still propel him as a nearly octogenarian. That's insane.

 

I'm someone who strongly believes nobody has played golf better than Tiger Woods, but I believe Jack was the best putter. I can't even imagine how many events Jack would win in today's game, driving it long and straight, hitting high straight irons, and making putts from everywhere (or lagging long ones to tap in distance, which he was legendary at). His game was arguably better designed for today's era than his. Imagine Dustin Johnson with a legendary putting stroke and a genius level golf IQ.

 

DJ can't even imagine what a genius level golf IQ is!

 

DJ is smarter than people think

:cheesy:

[Hawkeye77]

Yesterday I was thinking to myself "Today, I could beat Jack head to head" and then I started to doubt myself. Considering he's 79 and I'm approximately 50 years younger, much longer, and a plus handicap, that's saying something. He's got a competitive edge that can still propel him as a nearly octogenarian. That's insane.

 

I'm someone who strongly believes nobody has played golf better than Tiger Woods, but I believe Jack was the best putter. I can't even imagine how many events Jack would win in today's game, driving it long and straight, hitting high straight irons, and making putts from everywhere (or lagging long ones to tap in distance, which he was legendary at). His game was arguably better designed for today's era than his. Imagine Dustin Johnson with a legendary putting stroke and a genius level golf IQ.

 

DJ can't even imagine what a genius level golf IQ is!

 

DJ is smarter than people think

 

LOL, I have no doubt he's probably smarter than I think he is!

 

I'll save anything more specific and just say information I'll keep to myself is first hand from a tour player and a caddie - nothing horrible, he's just not the brightest bulb in the closet and that's okay.

[bscinstnct]

Yesterday I was thinking to myself "Today, I could beat Jack head to head" and then I started to doubt myself. Considering he's 79 and I'm approximately 50 years younger, much longer, and a plus handicap, that's saying something. He's got a competitive edge that can still propel him as a nearly octogenarian. That's insane.

 

I'm someone who strongly believes nobody has played golf better than Tiger Woods, but I believe Jack was the best putter. I can't even imagine how many events Jack would win in today's game, driving it long and straight, hitting high straight irons, and making putts from everywhere (or lagging long ones to tap in distance, which he was legendary at). His game was arguably better designed for today's era than his. Imagine Dustin Johnson with a legendary putting stroke and a genius level golf IQ.

 

DJ can't even imagine what a genius level golf IQ is!

 

DJ is smarter than people think

 

LOL, I have no doubt he's probably smarter than I think he is!

 

I'll save anything more specific and just say information I'll keep to myself is first hand from a tour player and a caddie - nothing horrible, he's just not the brightest bulb in the closet and that's okay.

 

DJ be like,

 

Im thinker than you smart I am.

[alcap26]

A 79 year and a 15 year was in contention the whole weekend vs much stiffer competition. That's Jack for you. Remember the 1998 Masters? T6 at the age of 58. If the weather stayed bad he might have won.

 

I dont think too many people remember, but I sure do. It was incredible...he was just months from having his hip replaced and was legitimately in contention. He also left at least 2 putts on the lip that day that just as easily could have dropped.

 

The man's self-belief and competitiveness over years & years has only been rivaled by Tiger Woods, and TW will have to keep it going well into his 50s to rival Jack in that department.

 

I remember it well. I did not see the 86 masters (just highlight show they show every year...hope they never start). but it was amazing to see him compete in 98. I was glued to the tv.

[Konklifer]

What putter was he using last week?

[ebrasmus21]

It's heart warming to see nearly 80 year old Jack Nicklaus rolling in putts.

 

Swagger-a-plenty for Jack rolling in 12 footer after 12 footer.

[tatertot]

I love me some Jack ... But I still fall asleep every time he hunkers down over a 15-footer. It's true, he has never hit a putt until he's absolutely ready. Wish I had that kind of patience.

[ebrasmus21]

I love me some Jack ... But I still fall asleep every time he hunkers down over a 15-footer. It's true, he has never hit a putt until he's absolutely ready. Wish I had that kind of patience.

 

I still get to call myself young. Since I never got to watch Jack win his majors I never knew but — a wrx’er told me that Jack invented slow play.

[ohioglfr]

One has to wonder even how much better Jack could have played at the Father/Son event if he simply played more golf on a regular basis.

[Bingo1976]

Yesterday I was thinking to myself "Today, I could beat Jack head to head" and then I started to doubt myself. Considering he's 79 and I'm approximately 50 years younger, much longer, and a plus handicap, that's saying something. He's got a competitive edge that can still propel him as a nearly octogenarian. That's insane.

 

I'm someone who strongly believes nobody has played golf better than Tiger Woods, but I believe Jack was the best putter. I can't even imagine how many events Jack would win in today's game, driving it long and straight, hitting high straight irons, and making putts from everywhere (or lagging long ones to tap in distance, which he was legendary at). His game was arguably better designed for today's era than his. Imagine Dustin Johnson with a legendary putting stroke and a genius level golf IQ.

 

DJ can't even imagine what a genius level golf IQ is!

 

DJ is smarter than people think

 

The bar is set very low though

[DavePelz4]

I love me some Jack ... But I still fall asleep every time he hunkers down over a 15-footer. It's true, he has never hit a putt until he's absolutely ready. Wish I had that kind of patience.

 

Like you, he's taking a quick siesta. Helps us seniors to regain focus or remember what the Cheese Whiz we were doing.

[Soloman1]

When Jack got into his famous crouch over a putt, everyone knew they had time to get a sandwich or put a second coat of paint on the garage before they could return to the TV to see him putt. And he always seemed to make it.

 

If you only saw his silhouette, you’d know right away that it was Jack Nicklaus.

 

When asked what he was thinking about as crouched over his putts, Jack said that he was just waiting unti it “felt right.” No magic technique, calculations or insight.

[tatertot]

I love me some Jack ... But I still fall asleep every time he hunkers down over a 15-footer. It's true, he has never hit a putt until he's absolutely ready. Wish I had that kind of patience.

 

I still get to call myself young. Since I never got to watch Jack win his majors I never knew but — a wrx’er told me that Jack invented slow play.

 

That's not true, Jack didn't invent slow play ... he did, however, perfect it.

[Golfnutgalen]

[media=]

[/media]

 

Here are some highlights for those who didn't watch in real time (including myself). Both Jack and his Grandson GT made a bunch of putts.

 

A couple more in the second round including a bomb from off the green.

 

[media=]

[/media]

[bscinstnct]

When Jack got into his famous crouch over a putt, everyone knew they had time to get a sandwich or put a second coat of paint on the garage before they could return to the TV to see him putt. And he always seemed to make it.

 

If you only saw his silhouette, you’d know right away that it was Jack Nicklaus.

 

When asked what he was thinking about as crouched over his putts, Jack said that he was just waiting unti it “felt right.” No magic technique, calculations or insight.

 

That's pretty interesting. I think it's far more common for pros to be more strict and routine based in the timing to make the putting stroke, ie. read it, set up, practice strokes, and go. Usually, I'd associate someone standing over a put forever with lack of confidence.

 

Who knows what Jack had going on in his mind as he waited til it "felt right".....

 

"just relax and roll it when you feel it"

 

"I wonder what Barb packed me for lunch? Ham and cheese would hit the spot"

 

"Trevino is such a butt head"

 

"I wonder why that woman gave me her phone number? People are so strange"

 

; )

[chigolfer1]

The thing is Jack is such a competitor. This is probably his only event of the year. Hell, ya never know it could be his last event ever. You could just see the mental focus kick in, he knew the ball was going in the hole on 18. Today was one more final reminder of what he could do.

 

He can't really hit it very well any longer, he did hit some nice irons, but for just a few hours we saw what made him a 18 time major champion.

 

Yep, agreed, and putting isn't about sheer athleticism after all, you're hitting a ball 30 feet at most. I got a kick over how long he stood over the ball before putting. Just like old Jack, haha.

 

And he even wore yellow on the last day! how awesome

[lowheel]

I love me some Jack ... But I still fall asleep every time he hunkers down over a 15-footer. It's true, he has never hit a putt until he's absolutely ready. Wish I had that kind of patience.

 

I still get to call myself young. Since I never got to watch Jack win his majors I never knew but — a wrx’er told me that Jack invented slow play.

 

Very deliberate for sure... Even at his clinics he emphasized not to hit until youre set

[ebrasmus21]

I love me some Jack ... But I still fall asleep every time he hunkers down over a 15-footer. It's true, he has never hit a putt until he's absolutely ready. Wish I had that kind of patience.

 

I still get to call myself young. Since I never got to watch Jack win his majors I never knew but — a wrx’er told me that Jack invented slow play.

 

Very deliberate for sure... Even at his clinics he emphasized not to hit until youre set

 

It’s interesting learning about Jack, I mean I know him, know his contributions to the game, championships won... but I never got to see Jack do his thing.

 

Pair him with Sabbatini!

[lowheel]

I love me some Jack ... But I still fall asleep every time he hunkers down over a 15-footer. It's true, he has never hit a putt until he's absolutely ready. Wish I had that kind of patience.

 

I still get to call myself young. Since I never got to watch Jack win his majors I never knew but — a wrx'er told me that Jack invented slow play.

 

Very deliberate for sure... Even at his clinics he emphasized not to hit until youre set

 

It's interesting learning about Jack, I mean I know him, know his contributions to the game, championships won... but I never got to see Jack do his thing.

 

Pair him with Sabbatini!

 

I was at a clinic of his in i think 89 or 90 and he said to my surprise that he took extra time over the ball but didnt waste any time in between shots. He stated he was a very fast walker from shot to shot to make up for it. it was a sore point for some of his caddies including his son he said.he told a story about the 86 masters that jackie was telling him to slow down on the back 9 because he couldnt keep up. To my amazement a few years later he was playing in the senior US open i think he finished 2nd or 3rd and he was speed walking the second the ball landed after every shot. He was insanely focused and wouldnt hit until he was ready. He and tiger think golf differently, absolutely incredible focus

[ebrasmus21]

I love me some Jack ... But I still fall asleep every time he hunkers down over a 15-footer. It's true, he has never hit a putt until he's absolutely ready. Wish I had that kind of patience.

 

I still get to call myself young. Since I never got to watch Jack win his majors I never knew but — a wrx'er told me that Jack invented slow play.

 

Very deliberate for sure... Even at his clinics he emphasized not to hit until youre set

 

It's interesting learning about Jack, I mean I know him, know his contributions to the game, championships won... but I never got to see Jack do his thing.

 

Pair him with Sabbatini!

 

I was at a clinic of his in i think 89 or 90 and he said to my surprise that he took extra time over the ball but didnt waste any time in between shots. He stated he was a very fast walker from shot to shot to make up for it. it was a sore point for some of his caddies including his son he said.he told a story about the 86 masters that jackie was telling him to slow down on the back 9 because he couldnt keep up. To my amazement a few years later he was playing in the senior US open i think he finished 2nd or 3rd and he was speed walking the second the ball landed after every shot. He was insanely focused and wouldnt hit until he was ready. He and tiger think golf differently, absolutely incredible focus

 

I imagine the focus and determination needed to be at the level Goat #1 and Goat #2 is other worldly.

 

Kind of like when I’m uncomfortable over a tee shot but swing anyways — usually a bad decision. When I’m focused and confident about a tee shot it usually goes “okay”. Now, multiply that by 100,000 and I’m at Jack’s level ;)