Woods
He’s very aware of the trouble spots and it takes him just a short while to know where not to hit it.

The only thing is he tends to be a bit reckless from time to time, determined to flash his power, so he can get himself into wild predicaments.

That’s not so much an indictment of his disregard of course management as it is evidence that he has an endless amount of confidence to get out of trouble, no matter where or when.

Arguably his finest display of course management skills came at the 2000 British Open, when Woods did the improbable — he didn’t have to hit one bunker shot at St. Andrews during his easy win.

Navigating one’s way around, over, and past hundreds of bunkers without being stuck in at least one of them is a remarkable feat and proof positive that Woods is a master

Nicklaus
There are a number of topics which Gary Player is passionate about and his friend from Columbus, Ohio, is one of them.

At the top of Player’s list is Nicklaus' ability to get his way around a golf course.

“The greatest mind the game has ever known,” said Player, and it’s unlikely you’ll find anyone to argue with him.

Click below to see how today's Tiger Woods compares to Jack Nicklaus in his prime. Ball-striking Creativity Level of competition Pressure Course management Driving Popularity Putting

Even in his twilight, when he didn’t expect to threaten, Nicklaus would cringe whenever he would “short side” himself.

That was a cardinal sin for a man who took so much care in keeping the ball on the right side of the fairway, giving himself a good angle to the hole, and leaving himself the proper putt.

Nicklaus invented the yardage book and it was this sort of care toward how to dissect a golf course that is common nowadays.

Part 3: Creativity

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