Jack Nicklaus will hang em up after British Open

wilheim · May 16, 2005

LONDON (AP) - Jack Nicklaus says the British Open at St. Andrews in July will mark the end of his tournament career.

Nicklaus, 65, will be playing the British Open for the last time. He hasn't played in the Open since 2000 at St. Andrews.

The Royal & Ancient Golf Club moved up St. Andrews in the rotation to give Nicklaus one last chance to play on his favorite links. His son, Steve, will caddie for him at the July 14-17 major.

"From a tournament standpoint that will be it for me," Nicklaus said Monday during a promotional appearance in Britain. "I will play a few skins games and father-sons, but from any kind of tournament involvement, that's it.

"Why St. Andrews?" he said. "I love St. Andrews. It's been a great part of my career."

Nicklaus, winner of 18 majors, won at St. Andrews in 1970 and '78.

Nicklaus played his last Masters in April, missing the cut by five strokes. On his last hole, he brushed away tears and hugged his oldest son, Jackie.

"I expect I'll be just as emotional at St. Andrews," Nicklaus said. "I'm a sentimental old fool. I enjoy being part of history and what's going on, but I don't consider myself competitive any more.

"Hopefully when I get to St. Andrews I will have some kind of game. It won't be great, but I hope not to embarrass myself. I will enjoy it."

Nicklaus came to England to promote a golf and property development in Spain. Associated Press

Dante · May 16, 2005

has this guy not said before he is hanging it up??? I do not belive it

Fishhead · May 16, 2005

Dante said:
has this guy not said before he is hanging it up??? I do not belive it

Dante- No, I do not think he ever has to be honest with you.

Jack quite frankly may be my favorite athlete of all-time.

I certainly plan on viewing this grand finale for the greatest golfer of all-time.

-F-

PS- I do think the MASTERS will somehow persuade Jack to play in a couple event within the next 10 years..........even though Jack has said he doesnt want to be a side show there like many greats have been in the past.

Jarbo · May 16, 2005

Jack has actually been very low key about this. I was always an Arnold Palmer fan so Jack was a rival. However, Jack has shown nothing but class in my opinion.

Let's hope he is around as long as Byron Nelson - we can all learn from a guy like Jack. Not just Golf, but how to live and act.

BTW, I've played the Old Course at St Andrews. The history of the course and Jack as a competitor will make watching The British open even more enjoyable.