Capelle On Golf

The best kept secret the weekend of the Accenture Match Play was the Wendy’s Champions Skins game, which was faced with the unenviable task of competing against Tiger Woods’ romp to the title. This was unfortunate, because Jack Nicklaus, for the zillionth time, reminded the golf world why he has arguably the best swing in history.

The Wendy’s format called for the players to alternate tee shots. There was some switching of the order after nine holes. Nicklaus, who drove on the even numbered holes both days, was a perfect eight for eight in hitting the fairways. His competitors on the same holes were Gary Player (0 for 3), Arnold Palmer (1 for 3), Fuzzy Zoeller (5 for 8), Jay Haas (4 for 5), and Loren Roberts (2 for 5). As a group, they were 12 for 24 on the same holes.

Nicklaus, who at age 68 seldom plays anymore, put on a display of perfect driving. But then nothing that Nicklaus does should really come as a surprise. At the Masters 10 years ago at age 58, he hit more greens in regulation than Tiger Woods (50, 5t to 46, 17t) and tied for sixth, two shots ahead of Woods – while playing on a bum hip!

Oh, and for those who have disparaged Nicklaus’ short game, he provided evidence to the contrary at the Skins Game. He holed out from a bunker on the sixth hole. He blasted to within five feet on ten. And, from a fried-egg lied on 16, he again blasted to within five feet.

It was nice for golf fans to be reminded that Nicklaus could play a little. So as it stands now, until Tiger conclusively proves otherwise, he is still the game’s Best Ever.