Aug. 21 - When it comes to measuring the majors, the records of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are nearly identical through their first years as a pro. Woods was on a faster pace until he finished this year by failing to get into contention in the last three majors. As a result, he has six majors — same as Nicklaus — after his first 20 major tournaments as a professional.

EACH OF THEM completed the career Grand Slam, although Woods needed only 15 majors while Nicklaus got his slam in his 19th. Each went through one year in which they failed to win a major.

Nicklaus had 13 finishes in the top 10, while Woods had 12.

In Woods’ favor, he won four straight majors — no other professional ever has done that. And he still hasn’t missed a cut. Nicklaus missed the cut in the 1963 U.S. Open when he was defending champion.

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