Jack Nicklaus congratulates Roger Federer on 18th major title

Jack Nicklaus congratulates Roger Federer on 18th major title. February. 01, 2017 06:57. by Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com. American golfer Jack Nicklaus (77), who is known as the Golden Bear, won his 18th major championship in the Masters in 1986 when he was 46 years old.

No other golfer has broken Nicklaus’ record of winning of 18 majors over the previous three decades. Tiger Woods, who was once expected to catch up with Nicklaus’ mark, has not won in any majors since his 14th championship in the 2008 U.S. Open. Rather, Woods has been mired in a scandal stemmed from his divorce and physical injuries for almost 10 years.

The record of 18 major titles was achieved in other sport. Tennis player Roger Federer of Switzerland recently won his 18th major in the Australian Open and set the record after Nicklaus. Foreign media outlets reported the story of the tennis player joining legendary golfer Nicklaus after claiming his 18th major titles.

“Congratulations on Grand Slam win No. 18. As a huge fan of tennis and you, don't stop there,” Nicklaus tweeted. Nicklaus often said he would welcome someone to catch up with his record. After watching the four sets of the final match of Federer, which was broadcast live throughout the U.S. at 3:30 a.m., Nicklaus told reporters, “I won my 18th major at the age of 46. Federer is capable enough to continue his winning streak.” Nicklaus said he was a huge fan of tennis and his tennis level was close to a single handicap golfer to compare.

Both Nicklaus and Federer were not able to claim their 18th majors soon after winning their 17th major titles. Nicklaus added his 18th title to his record six years after he won the PGA Championship in 1980. Federer also failed to win any major titles for five years since his victory in the 2012 Wimbledon.

Nicklaus and Federer have built up their reputation as legendary players in different sport fields but, interestingly, they share some similarities. Both of them are known for their strict control of physical conditions to prevent any fatal injuries that could end their careers. They are also famous for their affection to their families. Nicklaus, who has five children and 20 grandchildren, pledged that he would not travel more than two weeks away from his home for his tour. Federer, father of twin daughters and twin sons, had injured his knee while taking a bath with his daughters and he struggled for some time on the tennis field.