Tim Ellsworth

It was the only way Jack Nicklaus could go out — with a birdie.

Nicklaus signed his final scorecard in a PGA major Friday when he walked off the 18th green of St. Andrews. It was Nicklaus’ last appearance in a PGA major, and it was a spectacle to see.

Throngs of people gathered around the entire 18th hole and cheered Jack each step of the way. His son Steve, who serves as Jack’s caddy, wiped tears from his eyes. Jack waved graciously to the fans all the while, and the memories and emotions he experienced had to be intense. He and Tom Watson, one of his fiercest competitors for years, exchanged a hug after Jack sank a birdie putt.

He’s one of the greats — not just in golf, and not just in sports, but in life.

Goodbye, Jack. Thanks for the memories.