13 November,2012 06:28 AM IST | | AFP
Woods, 37, appeared to be closing in on Nicklaus' mark after winning 14 majors but he is yet to prevail at a major championship since revelations about his private life emerged nearly three years ago.
Nick Faldo
The American took a four-month break from the sport after admitting to the affairs, but he has failed to recapture his early-career form since making his return.
Asked about Woods' chances of catching up with Nicklaus, Faldo said: "I think it's slim. "I would lean towards no. It has been four years since he last won at the US Open."
Tiger Woods
Faldo, who won six major titles, believes the harm inflicted upon Woods' game in the aftermath of the scandal may prove irreparable.u00a0"(The revelations) have done more damage than people would give them credit for," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.u00a0"People thought he would deal with it and then get back on the golf course.
"It's wrecked that wonderful tranquility you get of going to a golf course, tipping out a bag of balls, and hitting them from nine to five and just thinking of golf.
"When you're a golfer, that is great. But now, he has shattered that peace. He won't get that back.
In the last 18 months, Rory McIlroy has emerged as the new shining light in world golf and Faldo believes the 23-year-old Northern Irishman is well placed to assume Woods' mantle. "I have been very impressed with Rory. He is a special kid," Faldo said.
