Tiger poses a puzzle for Nicklaus

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida - Jack Nicklaus said he was "painting a picture" when he suggested after a practice round with Tiger Woods at the 1996 Masters that the then 20-year-old had the skill to win at least 10 green jackets.

On Sunday at the Honda Classic, Nicklaus referred to Woods as a "puzzle".

In an interview before making an appearance in the NBC broadcast booth, Nicklaus was raving about the growing number of young players who can win major championships. He said they learned to win because Woods no longer is dominant as he recovers from a litany of injuries.

"Right now, I don't know about Tiger," Nicklaus said. "That is the biggest puzzle to me. I just don't know where he is and where his mind is. I don't know."

Woods missed the cut at Torrey Pines in his 2017 debut, then flew halfway around the world to Dubai and withdrew with back spasms after a 77.

He withdrew from the Genesis Open at Riviera, hosted by his foundation, and this week's Honda Classic.

Woods canceled an interview at Riviera, with his agent, Mark Steinberg, saying doctors had advised Tiger to limit all activities.

Nicklaus referenced a quote from Steinberg that a media conference would yield no answers to his health.

"I think he's absolutely right," Nicklaus said.

"You're going to ask him the same exact questions, it'll be the same exact answers that he gave before. And I think from his standpoint, he's tired of answering them."

Nicklaus and Woods have long been linked, from the time Woods posted a chart in his room showing a timeline of Nicklaus achieving various mileposts in golf, mostly as an amateur.

As a professional, Woods was on pace to break Nicklaus' record 18 majors until his fourth knee surgery in 2008 following the US Open, his 14th and last major.

A scandal in his personal life unfolded a year later, followed by more leg injuries and then three back surgeries.

Associated Press