Nicklaus signs off with 72 at St Andrews

Jack Nicklaus waves on the Swilcan Bridge as he makes his way to complete his final round ever in the British Open Golf Championship, on the Old Course at St. Andrews Scotland, Friday July15, 2005. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

ST ANDREWS, Scotland (Reuters) - Jack Nicklaus failed in his bid to make the cut in his 38th and final British Open after carding a par 72 at St Andrews Friday.

The three-times champion, cheered on by huge galleries at every hole on the famous Old Course, mixed three birdies with three bogeys before finishing at three-over 147.

The 65-year-old American, who made his Open debut at Royal Troon in 1962 and went on to win a record 18 major titles, left himself too much ground to make up after battling to an opening 75.

Nicklaus, whose last two British Open victories in 1970 and 1978 came here, was one under for his round after collecting birdies at the fifth and 10th but slipped back with dropped shots on 12 and at the infamous Road Hole 17th.

In glorious evening sunshine, he struck a perfect drive down the last before stopping at the Swilcan Bridge to wave to the crowds and pose for the photographers.

He then invited playing partners Tom Watson, a five-times Open champion, and British Ryder Cup player Luke Donald to join him for further photographs.

The cut was projected to be made at level-par 140.