Jack Nicklaus has insisted that July's Open at St Andrews is likely to bring down the curtain on the most successful career in the history of golf. The 65-year-old, who made his farewell to the Masters in April, loses his exemption after this year's event.
He last played the Open in 2000 when it was also at the home of golf.
"I enjoy being part of history but I don't consider myself competitive any more and the Open will probably end my competitive career," he said.
Nicklaus, who won the Open at St Andrews in 1970 and 1978, has won a record 18 major titles, including three Opens, six Masters, four US Opens and five USPGAs.
 |  Nothing will replace walking up the 18th at St Andrews, Augusta, a US Open or whatever |
At Augusta in April, Nicklaus, who has been through family tragedy this year with the death of his grandson Jake in a hot-tub accident, cried and hugged his son Jack jnr as he played his final hole.
"I expect I'll be just as emotional at St Andrews - I'm a sentimental old fool," said the player dubbed the "Golden Bear".
"I've played one round since Augusta and that was a course opening. I've not even made up my mind whether to play the Memorial, and that's in two weeks' time.
"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. We will have a good time."
MMIX
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