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Jack Nicklaus leave major golf with 72
Jack Nicklaus failed in his bid to make the cut at his 38th and final British Open and ended the most illustrious career in the game with a level-par 72 at St Andrews on Friday.
The three-times champion, cheered on by huge galleries at every hole on the famous Old Course, mixed three birdies with three bogeys before finishing at three-over 147.
Nicklaus signed off in style, though, sinking a curling 12-foot birdie putt at the last.
"I knew that the hole would move wherever I hit it," the 65-year-old American told a news conference with a broad smile.
"I aimed six inches left of the hole and the ball was gobbled up. I was truly delighted when the ball went in.
"I didn't fancy that putt coming back. But, then again, I never miss at the 18th."
Nicklaus, whose last two British Open victories in 1970 and 1978 came here, was one under for his round after collecting birdies at the fifth and 10th but slipped back with dropped shots on 12 and at the infamous Road Hole 17th.
In glorious evening sunshine, he struck his best drive of the week down the last before stopping at the Swilcan Bridge to wave to the crowds and pose for the photographers.
He invited playing partners Tom Watson, a five-times Open champion, and British Ryder Cup player Luke Donald to join him for more photos.
Nicklaus then called up all the caddies, including his second oldest son Steve.
Once the photocall was done, he executed a deft approach to set up his birdie putt before ending his distinguished Open career in emotional style.
"I don't want to go through all this again," said Nicklaus. "I'm probably better off getting out of here.
"Hitting three and four-irons into these greens is not an easy chore and I haven't got a lot left now."
Nicklaus, who made his Open debut at Royal Troon in 1962 and went on to win a record 18 major titles, was relieved to finish as a genuine competitor.
"My biggest fear in coming this week was that I didn't want to shoot a couple of eighty-somethings," he said. "Snowmen are for cold weather, not for here.
"I've played eight competitive rounds this year and I've missed four cuts.
"But today I shot 72, the best round I've played this year. I have played well here and I've missed the cut by three shots," added the Golden Bear, who left himself too much ground to make up after battling to an opening 75.
"Then you know that it's time to leave.
"Nothing is going to replace the 18th at the U.S. Masters or in an Open championship but it will pass.
"The competitive drive is the thing I will miss most but I haven't been competitive for five to six years. The last time I was competitive was at the 1998 Masters."
The cut eventually fell at one-over-par 145, with Nicklaus missing out by just two shots.
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