On once discussing the problems of the ageing golfer with Christy O'Connor Snr, I remember him saying that the two most vulnerable areas were concentration and legs. Though his mind remains strong, Jack Nicklaus would have empathised with that view after the astonishing achievement of sharing sixth place in the US Masters last Sunday.

The great man was at some pains to explain why this might yet prove to be his last Masters appearance. But if he could play well enough to beat defending champion Tiger Woods by two strokes, why think of retiring?

"I have an awful hard time walking," he eventually conceded. "I walk 14 or 15 holes and my (arthritic) hip has about had it. I don't mean that it pains me and affects me hitting shots. It just stiffens up. How long that will last, how long my exercise programme will hold off the inevitable with my hip, I don't know."

The effort has become increasingly obvious, particularly during the last year. Instead of the brisk walk with the head held high and shoulders thrown back, Nicklaus has become stooped and obviously stiff. But those fearsome, competitive eyes remain as sharp and incisive as ever.

"It was unbelievable playing with him," said his last-round partner Ernie Els. "I don't think he missed a shot all day. It's just amazing how he doesn't make any mistakes at the big moment. The guy's 58 years old, 30 years older than I am, and he outplayed me."

The US Open champion then explained how he (Els) had become lost for words at the end of the round - "What do you say to Jack Nicklaus? He's the best player there ever was in this game. I don't think anybody will ever sniff that greatness."

Els could sense that his hero wasn't there for show, to doff his cap and wave to the crowd. He was there to win. And after becoming the oldest player to finish in the top-10 in Masters history, Nicklaus admitted: "I'd be pretty stupid to say that I wasn't thrilled. But I'd be dishonest to tell you I wasn't disappointed."

Therein lies the essence of the man. Quietly, he had been building himself towards one last assault on Augusta National from the previous Tuesday, when he was honoured at a special ceremony to mark his 40th Masters appearance. While unveiling a commemorative plaque, the chairman, Jackson Stephens, explained that they had left room at the bottom of it "just in case."

"That sort of gave be a bit of inspiration," said the Bear. "I thought that was a very nice comment. I appreciated it." Barbara, his wife of 38 years, recognised the signs. "I've never seen Steve (their son who caddies for Nicklaus) so excited," she said. "He was off the ground before the putt went in at the seventh. It was fun to watch them out there."

The Bear's next competitive assignment is the USPGA Seniors' Championship this week in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he captained the US Ryder Cup team to a narrow win over Europe in 1983. Then he is certain to return to the regular tour in his own Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village in May, followed by the US Open in June.

After that, he is adopting a wait and see policy, including his possible involvement in the British Open at Royal Birkdale in July, when he would be exempt. Meanwhile, he has left us with yet another memory to cherish, a memory not of old Nicklaus, but of the Nicklaus of old.