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Jack Nicklaus has backed Rory McIlroy’s contention that golf’s four majors are far more important that the Ryder Cup.
The Ulster star has been chastened in the build-up to Celtic Manor with his views on the importance of the bi-annual tussle with the Americans as well as his comments that Tiger Woods had lost some of his aura.
But Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 majors, says firmly that McIlroy is right.
“The Ryder Cup is a great event between two organisations for bragging rights,” he said. “But it is a goodwill event. Is it as important as the majors? No.”
The Golden Bear’s Ryder Cup record was impressive with 17 wins and just eight defeats even if, he says, he always found it difficult to motivate himself for the competition.
“I got myself up for the majors like Tiger Woods does now,” he said.
“The fact remains that when you prepare properly for an event, usually you play well.
“But I had several Ryder Cups that I did not perform well in.”
