Harman adds: "Tiger's focus is to win as many Majors as he can.

"He gauges himself on Jack's record."

Crucially, Nicklaus never held all four Major titles at the same time.

David Hill, championship secretary at the Royal and Ancient Club says, "In the 70's, Nicklaus was expected to do it, but he never did."

Hill believes Woods' success speaks for itself.

"Comparing generations is difficult, but even Jack would concede Tiger's the best player we've seen for a long time," he says.

'Mental strength'

"Woods has done it in a more competitive environment than Jack.

"His achievement is fantastic."

Former Ryder Cup captain John Jacobs says club technology has had little impact.

"Technology has no bearing on the improvements in today's game.

"Mental strength is the key. Jack had it and so does Woods."

Woods is rightly lauded for his ability to maintain focus and composure during critical stages of play, and Jacobs believes this to be the mark of a great.

"Jack's strength was mental too," he says.

"He wasn't as good technically as Tiger and his contemporaries, but he made up for this with a steely nerve."

The Masters title holder now finds his name being mentioned with all-time sporting greats like Muhammad Ali, Sir Donald Bradman, Pele and Pete Sampras.

Whether he achieves a true Grand Slam or not, he can surely be afforded that honour.