A lot of players, including some of the greatest golfers of all-time, including Tiger Woods, have placed Jack Nicklaus on their Mount Rushmore. And it's something that didn't change in Nicaklaus' own list.

In an interview with Golf Digest in Aug 2024, when asked about his Mount Rushmore of golf, the Golden Bear named four golfing legends.

"Probably Bobby Jones, probably Ben Hogan, probably Tiger Woods. I’d like to join them. Myself, that’s four," said Jack Nicklaus.

Back in 2018, during the Ryder Cup, Tiger Woods shared his Mount Rushmore, placing Nicklaus on it. "My all-time Mount Rushmore of golf... Well, probably (Sam) Snead, (Bobby) Jones, (Jack) Nicklaus, me," said Woods.

While Snead wasn't on Nicklaus' list, they both agreed on Bobby Jones. The late golfer was the first name on Nicklaus' list, helped shape modern golf, winning 13 major championships, including the Grand Slam in 1930. 

He co-founded the Masters Tournament, linking his name to the sport long after his playing days ended. Another name that was unique to the 86-year-old's list was Ben Hogan.

The 9-time major winner and Jack Nicklaus crossed paths in competition, most notably at the 1960 U.S. Open, where they were paired for the final 36 holes.

Yet, there was one name that didn't make the 18-time Major winner's Rushmore.

Jack Nicklaus Made a Surprising Omission

Jack Nicklaus left his prolific on-course rival and friend, Arnold Palmer, off the list despite his legendary stats.

Palmer, who dominated golf alongside Nicklaus and Gary Player in the 60s, won 62 PGA Tour titles. Interestingly, he ranks fifth on the all-time wins list behind Sam Snead, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Ben Hogan.

While Arnold Palmer lost against Nicklaus across four majors in the 60s (1962, '64, '65, and '67), he was the runner-up in every single one of those four losses.

So what's your Mount Rushmore of golf? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi