It seems only fitting that Jack Nicklaus to end his competitive golfing career at the famed St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf. The Golden Bear let the media know today that he was planning on bowing out after the British Open in July. The last time he played The Open Championship was in 2000 when it was also held at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews. He had hinted that he was winding down earlier this year at The Masters, when he referred to the fact he just wasn’t competitive anymore. Why did he choose St. Andrews for his final tournament? “I love St. Andrews. It’s been a great part of my career.”
Jack won a record 18 major championships as we all know, and two of them just happened to be at St. Andrews in the Open Championship. He won there in 1970 and 1978. Nicklaus said he will continue to play golf, but he will only be teeing it up in Skins Games, Father/Son challenges, and other charity events.
It would be the greatest story in golf and possibly even the entire sports world in 2005 if Jack made the cut at the British Open. When asked about how he thinks he will play once the Open rolls around, the Golden Bear had this to say. “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.”
Jack, don’t worry about embarassing yourself. Everyone will look forward to seeing you at the British Open, and you have definitely earned the right to play any golf tournament at anytime during the year. With that being said, the British Open this year marks the last year of his exempt status into the tournament. He could still play in the Masters and PGA Championship in the future, but it seemed real today when he announced his retirement from the game.
The British Open will be played from July 14-17 at St. Andrews, and Jack’s son Steve will be his caddie for the occasion.
Photo Credit: © Morry Gash, AP.
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