Nicklaus signs off with 72

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 yesterday.

The three-times champion 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 an opening 75.

Nicklaus 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. He struck a perfect drive down the last before stopping to wave to the crowds.

Defending champion Todd Hamilton also missed the cut after struggling to a second successive two-over-par 74 yesterday. Tiger Woods strengthened his lead with a flawless 67 to move four shots clear.