The ‘problem’ Jack Nicklaus admitted he had at Augusta National just before his final ever appearance at the Masters

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Jack Nicklaus’ final Masters appearance came during the 2005 edition at Augusta National Golf Club.

The then 65-year-old missed the cut after carding rounds of 77 and 76 on the par-72 layout (eight over). The Golden Bear did roll back the years on the closing stretch of holes, however.

Nicklaus birdied 15 and 16 before making pars on 17 and 18 to end his distinguished Masters Tournament career on a high.

With the 18-time major winner up against some of the world’s best up-and-coming talents, victory was never on the cards, and Nicklaus claimed the lengthened layout would cause him issues before the tournament got underway.

The problem Jack Nicklaus had with Augusta National

Yardage was added to Augusta National in the early 2000s to ensure it remained challenging for the world’s best players.

Nicklaus, whose driving was not as long as in his prime, predicted that the longer setup would pose a tough challenge.

“I mean, I usually figure out a way to play somewhat reasonably. I may screw it up somehow, but usually, I figure out a way how to play golf,” Nicklaus said during his pre-tournament press conference.

“The only problem with this golf course is that I’ve come up the last two weeks, and I spent half my time with fairway woods or medals, whatever you want to call them, in my hand, and when guys are playing 8- and 9-irons and wedges; and I’m sitting back there with a 4-wood or 3-wood or whatever it might be, I don’t care how much it elevates your game, you’re not going to be anywhere near what you should be.

“I’ve always felt like if I’m going to play in a golf tournament, I like to be competitive, and this golf course used to be a golf course that I could probably still remain competitive on, only because it wasn’t so demanding off the tee.

“Length was an important factor, but it wasn’t as demanding; accuracy was. Now, it’s demanding accuracy-wise, as well as the additional length makes it even more because I’m going the other way, not the way a lot of the guys are going. So it just makes it a very difficult golf course for me to compete on.”

More recently, Augusta National moved the second tee box back and also altered the par-five 13th.

• READ MORE: The 13-time major championship winner who Jack Nicklaus said is the ‘greatest golfer’ to ever live

Who won the 2005 Masters Tournament?

Tiger Woods would famously win his fourth green jacket in 2005, beating Chris DiMarco in a playoff.

After shooting 74 (two over) on Thursday, Woods carded three rounds in the 60s, including a 65 on day three. DiMarco, at one stage during the third round, held a four-shot lead before struggling on the back nine.

But, after starting the final day three shots back, the American would card a 68 (four under) to tie Woods on 12 under.

Traditionally, the tenth hole is the first playoff hole at Augusta, but DiMarco and Woods ran it back down the 18th. DiMarco would make a solid par, only for Woods to roll in his 15-foot birdie putt.