The R&A say it is merely coincidence that next year's Open at St Andrews will also see Jack Nicklaus make his 33rd and last appearance.

It was thought Nicklaus had made his last Open appearance over the Old Course in 2000, posing for farewell pictures as he crossed the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole.

But the 18-time major winner said on a brief visit to Royal Troon that he had influenced the decision to stage the Open at St Andrews again next year, and would therefore "probably finish" his major career next July.

There was no confirmation however from the R&A that the year had been switched purely to suit Nicklaus. R&A chief executive Peter Dawson said: "It is a very fortunate coincidence that The Open is at St Andrews in 2005 which coincides with Jack Nicklaus' last year as an exempt player."

Nicklaus had earlier said: "I spoke to Peter Dawson at St Andrews in 2000 and asked him when we would be coming back.

"He said 2006 and I said that was a shame as I would be past my eligibility which runs until I am 65. He then asked me if it was held in 2005 would I play, and next thing I see it was announced for 2005.

"I think that was a very nice compliment and more than likely I will probably finish my golf career at St Andrews. I may play the Masters next year, I will play the Memorial (his own tournament) for several years, but outside of that I will play a few father-son games, Skins games and enjoy the game rather than trying to keep my game sharp all the time for competition.

"I can't do it any more. I am physically not able to. I would love to play but I just can't do it."

Only Gary Player with 46 has made more appearances in the Open than Nicklaus, even though he must have wondered what he had let himself in for when he shot 79 in the first round on his debut at Troon in 1962.

And he finds it hard to understand why 53 players would snub the chance to qualify for the Open by withdrawing from the new International Final Qualifying event at Congressional this year.

"To me if you are going to play major championship golf you must try to play in the British Open as well as the Masters, US Open and USPGA," Nicklaus added.

"If you have the opportunity to play you should try to play. Things have changed but all I know is if I had my chance to come I would."