Jack Nicklaus shrugs those familiar broad shoulders when asked what he thinks about the venue for this year’s US Open. “I don’t even know where they’re playing it,” he replies with unashamed honesty.

When the US Open at Torrey Pines reaches its halfway stage, it will be exactly three years since the “Golden Bear”, the world’s greatest living golfer and holder of a record 18 majors, hit his last competitive shot in his home country. His swansong at the age of 65, saw emotional final bows at the Masters and the Open Championship at St Andrews.