Like Woods, Nicklaus was long off the tee. But unlike anyone I had ever seen, Nicklaus never seemed to miss a putt that mattered. Although everyone concedes there are more good golfers now than ever before, Nicklaus couldn't help but point out that he played against people who knew how to win. And now Woods has lapped the field. Nicklaus insists a competitor will emerge.
Competitors always do emerge eventually.
You just wonder when he eventually might arrive. If Woods wins the PGA Tournament next month, he'll become the first since Hogan in 1953 to win three majors in a year. He has won three of the past four majors. He has won 13 of his past 23 PGA tournaments. And he played 72 holes at the Old Course and never landed in a bunker.