"He knew when to quit."

I'm not really sure where to begin with the goldmine of material Brett Avery has pieced together for a Jack Nicklaus oral history in this week's Golf World, but I have to say that the below quote caught my eye. It may provide us with a little bit of context in better understanding why Nicklaus may be sincere in his stance of not returning to St. Andrews for this year's Champions exhibition because he's already said goodbye his own way.

When people ask me about my goals in golf, I answer with a question. What does everybody in golf set as a goal? The answer, of course, is Bobby Jones. I don't see how anybody can handle himself as well as Bobby Jones has. He knew when to quit. If he hadn't quit when he did, some of the luster might have been lost, but as it turned out, nothing can ever be taken away from him. He's fantastic. He is the greatest golfer who ever lived and probably ever will live and he's one of the greatest persons. That's my goal. Bobby Jones. It's the only goal.
[Golf magazine, 1959]