Tiger Woods can still catch Jack's major record

I have one word for the fans of Tiger Woods who are now convinced he will not win 19 majors and surpass Jack Nicklaus: Relax!

Yes, this makes his second lost year in a row, a year without a major title. After the miracle of Torrey Pines in 2008, who would have thought that were possible? There were even some who said he'd win at least 25 majors.

So why the optimism? It's simple. Let's look once again at the man he is chasing, Jack Nicklaus. He went through his struggles, as well, on the big stage.

After the Golden Bear won two majors in 1975, giving him a total of 14, he didn't win No. 15 until the 1978 British Open at St. Andrews – a span of 10 major starts without a victory. Currently, Woods, if you count the two while he was recovering from knee surgery, is 0 for 10 since Torrey.

Also, remember, Woods will be only 35 years old when he tees it up next April at Augusta. Nicklaus won six majors after turning 35. Woods needs only five.

I'm not suggesting eclipsing Nicklaus will be easy. It won't, especially given the troubles with Woods' swing and psyche. I'm only pointing out that the "slump" in majors does not mean the Nicklaus record is safe just yet. Woods, if he remains healthy, will appear in 20 majors before he turns 40.

He has time.