Nicklaus Says His Era Is Over: He Won’t Be Back Until 2000

It’s the end of a British Open era, said Jack Nicklaus. His era.

After playing in every British Open since 1962, Nicklaus said his streak is over. He isn’t coming to Royal Lytham next summer and probably won’t enter another one until St. Andrews in 2000 when he would play his last.

“By then, I’m sure it will be like Arnold’s visit, more ceremonial than for the golf,” Nicklaus said.

Arnold Palmer, 65, played his last British Open this week and missed the cut. Nicklaus, 55, shot 78-70-77-71 and birdied the final hole for a 72-hole score of 296, eight over par.

Nicklaus won British Open titles in 1966 at Muirfield and in 1970 and 1978 at St. Andrews, but his best finish in the last 15 years was 10th in 1982 at Troon.

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The oldest player to make the cut, 59-year-old Gary Player, shot 74 and finished at 295 in his 40th consecutive British Open appearance. Player wants to end his streak at 45 in a row in the 2000 Open at St. Andrews.