Nicklaus expects further glory for Woods

Jack Nicklaus is expecting Tiger Woods to threaten his all-time record of 18 major wins after ending his 11-year wait for a title with a stunning victory at the Masters on Sunday (20/1 Tiger Woods 19 Or More Majors).

The 43-year-old American had not tasted success in one of golf’s four majors since the 2008 US Open and many felt his time in the sport was over as he was forced to undergo four surgeries on his back, while also being blighted by personal problems over the following years.

However, having patiently worked his way back to full fitness, Woods put the icing on the cake as he emerged from the pack to claim his fifth Masters title at Augusta National by one shot ahead of compatriots Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele.

The win moves Woods on to 15 majors and Nicklaus has admitted that his performance on Sunday has left him fearing for his long-standing record of 18 wins, especially with June’s US Open (15/2 Outright) being at Pebble Beach and next month’s US PGA Championship (9/1 Outright) taking place at Bethpage where he has enjoyed success in the past.

“I felt for a long time he was going to win again,” Nicklaus told The Golf Channel.

“And, you know, the next two majors are at Bethpage, where he’s won (2002 US Open), and Pebble Beach, where he’s won (2000 US Open). So, you know, he’s got me shaking in my boots, guys.”

Woods played down the possibility of overtaking Nicklaus’ tally and was just delighted to be back in a position pull off one of his “biggest wins”.

He added: “I couldn’t lay down, I couldn’t do much of anything. I had the procedure which gave me a chance of having a normal life.

“All of a sudden I realised I could swing a club again. I felt if I could somehow piece this together I still had the hands to do it. The body is not the same but I still had good hands.

“To have the opportunity to come back like this, you know it’s probably one of the biggest wins I’ve ever had for sure. It’s got to be right up there, with all the things I’ve battled through.”

Odds subject to change.