Once again, think of a popular sport. But this time, name its best athletes.
Basketball? Fans would most probably say Michael Jordan but some would also say LeBron James. Football? There’s Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi… Boxing? There’s Muhammad Ali, Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather. Tennis? Novac Djokovic, Serena Williams… The lists can go on in determining the G.O.A.T. or the “Greatest of All Time” in a particular sport.
What about Golf? No doubt Tiger Woods will come into mind. But golf fans would also name Jack Nicklaus who dominated the sport even before Tiger Woods was born.
Jack Nicklaus vs. Tiger Woods
Jack Nicklaus currently has the most Majors victories with 18 wins followed by Tiger Woods with 15 wins. Nicknamed, “Golden Bear”, he turned pro in 1961 and joined the PGA Tour the following year.
Tiger Woods dreamed of one day reaching Jack Nicklaus’ success when he was growing up. He even got a chance to meet him as a teenager at the Bel-Air Country Club, Los Angeles. The teenage Tiger Woods already impressed Nicklaus back then. He turned professional in 1996. The following year, he became the youngest and the first African American to win the U.S. Masters. Personal scandals affected his career, but he was able to make a comeback. He still reigns as one of the best golfers and athletes of all time.
Filipino Talent
Ben Arda was the first Filipino to qualify for the Masters Tournament in 1962 and The Open Championship in 1972. His contemporary, Ireneo Legaspi, also competed in Asian tournaments and even won the Malaysian Open in 1967. Frankie Miñoza reached the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking in 1998. He has played in various tournaments in the Philippines and across Asia.
Jason Day is born to an Irish Australian father and a Filipino mother. He turned professional in 2006 and began playing in PGA Tour events. Jason Day, who represents Australia, ranked number one in the Official World Golf Ranking in September 2015.
The Philippines have not yet reached top rankings in any of the Majors. But, it does not mean that it is impossible.