We are heading into the second era of golfing legends

Roughly half a century ago Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, aided by their manager Mark McCormack and his tie-up with television, combined to create a golfing boom worldwide.

The greatest golfer of them all Nicklaus won 18 majors and finished second 19 times, Player won nine with six seconds, and Palmer seven with 10 seconds despite the stiff competition from the likes of Tom Watson (8-8), Lee Trevino (6-2), Raymond Floyd (4-5), Johnny Miller (2-4) and Tony Jacklin (2).

Then came the Tiger Woods era with 14 majors and six seconds with little to no stiff competition.

Woods was so dominant, he messed the minds of opponents teeing off in every tournament genuinely believing they were playing for second money.

But Woods has gone, and not likely to return as a threat. Even if he does make a comeback, there’s a new breed on the block that couldn’t give a continental if Woods is in the field, they have him more than covered. The Woods’ bluff is a thing of the past.

The new breed are the next legends – Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and Jason Day – currently ranked 1-2-3.

With the first major of the year – the US Masters – less than two months away, the scene is set for some phenomenal golf for the rest of the year.

Just as the original legends had plenty of stiff competition, the future legends are in the same boat.

Waiting to take them on are Ricky Fowler, Bubba Watson, Branden Grace, Patrick Reed and two up-and-coming Englishmen, Danny Willett and Andy Sullivan.

So what about Henrik Stenson, Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia? All three have more than enough awesome talent to win majors, but not the temperament to close.

The trio has had many chances to break their major’s duck, but can only blame themselves for not lifting the trophy.

What stands out with the current crop is what made the original legends – their respect for each other. Even though there’s so much at stake, they are genuinely good mates.

The clincher?

The hours they spend signing autographs and taking selfies with fans is the sport’s most successful promotion.

Starting tomorrow at famous Pebble Beach, Spieth and Day make their first head-to-head appearance of the year after dominating last year’s majors.

It’s early days, but there will be great expectations over the next four days that will definitely increase once McIlroy joins the party at a later date.

All three were number one in the world at some stage last year, and this year will be more of the same.