Arnold Palmer (Stats | Bio) played in his 50th and final Masters Tournament on Friday.

Did Augusta see the last of Jack Nicklaus (Stats | Bio) , too?

After missing the cut Friday, the Golden Bear was growling that the 68th Masters might be his 44th and last.

"I don't think I'm going to play again,'' Nicklaus said after carding a 75 for the second-straight round. "I'm just about done. I've had enough.''

If Friday was his last appearance at Augusta National Golf Club, Nicklaus left the gallery on 18 with something to remember.

After a tee shot that hit the left trees and fell well short of the landing area, Nicklaus laid up to 84 yards from the pin. His pitching wedge covered the flagstick and the ball came to rest just a foot from the hole for an easy par.

As he walked off the 18th green, Nicklaus took off his cap and turned around and waved in all directions.

"I played well the last two days,'' Nicklaus said. "If I was half of a putter, I'd be in contention.''

Nicklaus, 64, appeared to be solid from tee to green, but made only two birdies in his brief stay. By his estimate, he three-putted six times.

"I liked the way I hit the ball this week,'' he said. "I was encouraged.''

He missed the cut by two shots, and said he would only play twice more this year. That will be in his own Memorial Tournament and a Nationwide Tour event, a pro-am he will play with his sons.

Playing partner Alex Cejka (Stats | Bio) , who is tied for second, downplayed Nicklaus' words.

"You never know,'' he said. "But I personally think it's not his last time.''

Even Nicklaus seemed unsure himself.

"I've played 44 Masters,'' Nicklaus said. "I love to come here.''

Reach John Boyette at (706) 823-3337 or john.boyette@augustachronicle.com.