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Tony Jacklin to call it day
While this year's British Open is Jack Nicklaus's swansong in the major, it could also be the last time for 1969 winner Tony Jacklin.
Briton Jacklin gave up playing professionally four years ago but the 61-year-old was determined to give the Golden Bear, the man who famously conceded him the deciding putt at the final hole of the tied 1969 Ryder Cup, a fitting send-off.
Now only a social golfer in his adopted home of Florida, Jacklin, who tees up on Thursday with Greg Norman and young Briton Paul Casey, is hoping to go out with a bang and at least make the cut at St Andrews.
"I'm here because of Jack, out of respect for him," said Jacklin after practising on the Old Course on Tuesday.
"He's certainly the greatest player of my generation, probably any generation.
"Every time the Championship comes here to the Old Course they invite us to the (past champions) dinner and I thought it was a long way to come for dinner.
"I thought I might get drawn with Jack, that didn't quite work out, but playing with Greg will be fun and I'm glad I came."
Jacklin's main worry for the tournament is the same one that made him end his seniors career.
"I mustn't get myself overcome with nerves and anxiety when I get on the first tee," he added.
"I'm hitting the ball all right but when you get a bit nervous you've got to tell yourself to keep it smooth and try and enjoy it.
"That's the reason I stopped playing -- because I used to get too anxious and it all became a bit of a nonsense.
"If I stay loose then maybe I can put a couple of scores together.
"I thought 2001 at Royal Lytham and St Annes, where I had my win, was going to be my last Open but this will probably be my last."
On his 2001 appearance, Jacklin shot rounds of 75 and 74 to miss the cut.
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