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Why Gary Player’s harsh comments about Bobby Jones won’t sit well with Jack Nicklaus

Originally posted on HITC | By Antony Martin | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 9:29 AM ET

Just before his 90th birthday, Gary Player made a series of bold statements that included a surprising opinion on Bobby Jones.

And Jack Nicklaus is likely to disagree with what Player had to say about Jones, who is widely considered one of the best golfers ever.

Nicklaus and the South African legend built a memorable rivalry over the years. But when they were first coming up in the sport, it was Jones who set the standard.

That is why Player’s recent comments about the seven-time major winner have come as such a surprise.

When picking his top three players in history, he referred to Jones simply as “an amateur.”

“When they judge players, it’s quite interesting, they put Bobby Jones and Arnold [Palmer] ahead of me,” he began by saying.

“You can’t tell me that an amateur golfer has a record that I have in golf. His record is not close to mine.

“You look at Arnold’s record, it’s not close to mine. I won more majors than Arnold. I won more tournaments than Arnold. I won more senior majors. My stroke averages were better. He didn’t have the record, and he was my brother.

“But I love the fact, in a way, that they do that, because what he did for golf, and I grew up with him, he was supreme. Jack is number one, Tiger number two, and I’m number three.

“There’s not even a question.”

Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player at odds over Bobby Jones comments

Nicklaus has always held a very different view of Jones’ place in golf history.

Even before winning his first major in 1962, Nicklaus called Jones the “greatest golfer who ever lived”.

The Golden Bear once said: “Jones is the greatest golfer who ever lived and probably ever will live. That’s my goal. Bobby Jones. It’s the only goal.”

Nicklaus also included Jones on his personal Mount Rushmore of golf, alongside himself, Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan.

Whenever he discusses the greatest players in history, the Golden Bear never leaves Jones off the list.

In contrast, Player seems frustrated that his own record does not get as much attention as the Atlanta native’s.

But these things are not usually self-proclaimed titles – it is up to fans, media and other players to have those debates.

Bobby Jones’ career and why many still consider him one of golf’s greatest

In a remarkable seven-year stretch, Bobby Jones captured five US Amateurs and a British Amateur title.

During an eight-year period from 1923 to 1930, he also collected seven professional major championships: three Open Championships and four US Open titles.

Jones never turned pro and retired at just 28. He passed away in 1971 at the age of 69.

He co-founded Augusta National and The Masters, but made most of his money working as a lawyer rather than through golf.

If he had chosen to stay in the game instead of retiring early, there is no telling how many more majors Jones might have added to his record.

Player’s comments did not just miss the mark – they missed what makes Jones’ legacy so important to the sport. There is more than one way to measure greatness.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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