WET MASTERS LEAVES NICKLAUS COLD
By Phil Casey, PA Sport, Augusta
Jack Nicklaus admitted he might not play in the Masters next year if the
weather conditions are the same.
Nicklaus finished 18 over par after rounds of 85 and 77 over an Augusta
National course playing far longer than its yardage of 7,290 after four inches
of rain fell since Sunday.
The 63-year-old six-time champion still managed to clock up his 500th birdie
in the Masters during his second round, but did not enjoy his 43rd appearance.
"I started the second round with three straight bogeys and I wasn't too
excited about that," said Nicklaus, who missed last year's tournament with a
back injury.
"This has always been a long hitter's golf course and the only way I can play
it is if it's fast. I didn't enjoy the last two days and I didn't play half-way
decent.
"I didn't enjoy or compete this year. If we have dry conditions next year
I'll play, if it's like this again next year I may drop out on Wednesday.
"I don't want to clutter up the field and I did this year."
Only five players posted a worse total than Nicklaus, including 73-year-old
Arnold Palmer on his 49th consecutive appearance.
Palmer thought he had played his last competitive round at Augusta in 2002
after club chairman Hootie Johnson sent out a letter in 2001 asking former
champions to give up their lifetime exemptions, later adding that from 2004 the
age limit for competitors would be 65.
After complaints from Palmer and Nicklaus however, that rule was rescinded,
with the club now relying on former champions to know themselves when they are
unable to compete.
After two rounds of 83 to finish 22 over par, Palmer said: "I've got to learn
how to drive it longer so I can get to the fairways. I had to hit fairway woods
a lot, almost every hole.
"To be here and have the opportunity to play is great. I wish my scores were
better."
Palmer is likely to return next year to make it 50 consecutive appearances,
and may then assume the role of honorary starter instead.
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