as good as google iirc imo

Part of that is obviously due to the Internet and the 24-hour news cycle making the number of majors everyone has that much more in-our-face every time golf is covered.

They've also grown a ton in importance as more and more money has made it's way into the game. The endorsement money available to someone who wins one is insanely high, thus the stakes are.

Also, can't forget that it is Tiger himself that has made the majors of utmost importance, having stated that passing Jack was a goal since a very early age.

Here's a dream conversation between Paul Goydos and BO _______:

BO: "Jack Nicklaus has 20 majors."
Paul: "No, he has 18."
BO: "18 pro majors and 2 am majors."
Paul: "Nobody cares about am anything. Get real BrO."
BO: "Golf digest - "
Paul: "When you start breaking 60, maybe you'll understand."
BO: "But....I'm REALLY GOOD AT GOLF. I've read all of Old Tom's diaries!"
Paul: "*****."

Jack preceded Tiger in this by declaring that a goal of his was to surpass the number of majors won by Bobby Jones.

here for the obligatory lol bo