Of course, Nicklaus being Nicklaus — merely the greatest champion the game has ever seen — he won another major in 1971, the first two in 1972, and another in 1973. Four straight seasons of major triumphs — obviously turning 30 didn't hold him back. In fact, he won more majors in his 30s (eight) than he did in his 20s, and most impressive of all, he took three more once he turned 40, most notably the magical Masters of 1986.

But that's getting too far down the road. The plot here involves Woods in his 30s and what sort of success he'll find. To think he'll slow down is to reject a lot of evidence that points to the contrary. Nicklaus won 30 times in his 20s, but 38 times as a 30-something. Arnold Palmer? He got a later start than most, but made up for hit with 41 of his 62 wins while in his 30s. Tom Watson? There were 24 tournaments won while in his 30s, including three of his five British Open conquests, a Masters, and his only U.S. Open triumph.

In other words, there is a precedent here and everything I've seen from Woods has me convinced that he'll be a better golfer at 30 than he was a year ago when he was 29. He is more confident with the driver than ever before and for those who shake their heads when he goes wider than wide to the right side, well, you'll continue to see it because Woods knows those shots will happen, that the tradeoff is a half-a-dozen drives per round that he'll stripe perfectly to get into birdie position. With a commitment to using his power advantage, Woods has restored some of the intimidation that had slipped away, and he continues to be the game's best clutch putter. His short game is impeccable and his practice sessions purposeful, so don't waste any concern that after 9 1/2 years of unmatched success, Woods has lost his passion, his drive, his fire.

If anything, Woods is more passionate than ever. We have always talked of his desire to surpass Nicklaus' 18 professional majors and he is more than halfway to doing just that. But Woods also knows that Sam Snead's mark for career wins (82) is a realistic target and with two more Masters titles he could equal Nicklaus' record.

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All of those are on-course targets that Woods can focus on because his off-course life is better than it's ever been. Soon, his pursuit to witness the completion of the Tiger Woods Learning Center will be a reality, so that part of the puzzle is secure. There's also the presence of Nordegren, the beautiful Swede who married Woods in the fall of 2004. There were those who suggested such a move would effect Woods negatively, which I never could figure out. What, was she going to putt for him in those final-round pressure situations?

Marriage suited the great Nicklaus just fine, as he established his dominance in his 20s when four of his five children were born. By all accounts, Nicklaus made sure he was part of his children's lives as they grew up, but without question, the key to his career was having the good fortune to marry one of the truly remarkable women you'll ever meet.

Someone once asked Palmer what was the greatest thing about Winnie Palmer and without hesitating he said, "She allowed me to be Arnold Palmer."

Interactive Chart careers of golfing greats as Woods continues quest for most major victories

Well, Barbara Nicklaus was always the unheralded force behind Nicklaus' success and so it baffled me when people insinuated that Woods would forget how to put on the game face or get it up-and-down simply because he was married. Woods is highly intelligent and for years now he has been fiercely independent, making up a busy travel schedule to fit his desires, choosing business relationships that don't compromise his commitment to competition, changing his golf swing to stay better than everyone else.

He's done a magnificent job and it was hardly a shock that in his first full year of marriage, he had arguably his second-best season ever — six wins, two majors, and a resounding end to a debate that raged throughout the 2004 PGA Tour season. Woods is No. 1. In his 20s and, we're sure to learn, his 30s.

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