SportsLine wire reports

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Jack Nicklaus couldn't resist taking just one swing at Augusta National on Tuesday although he can't play because of hip replacement surgery.

Nicklaus, who will miss his first Masters in 40 years because of his January operation, was being shown changes to the course by chairman Hootie Johnson when they came to the famous 12th hole, a diabolical 155-yard par-3 over Rae's Creek.

"I got a nice reception," Nicklaus said. "I saw Carlos Franco on the tee and asked him if I could borrow a club and a ball. I asked for a 6-iron, but after thinking it over I decided to use a 5-iron. The ball hit at the top of the bank and popped up on the green."

The crowd roared like it always has for the six-times Masters winner on Amen Corner.

Nicklaus reiterated he will be long gone when the tournament starts Thursday.

He had plans to attend the traditional champions dinner on Tuesday night then take a plane for the Bahamas to fish.

"I really have no interest in watching a tournament," he said. "If (son) Gary was playing in it I would. I've always been a spectator for my kids."

Would he watch on television?

"I might watch on TV some but if the tournament is played during the daytime I'll be fishing," Nicklaus joked. "I wish I could play but I can't. I could have probably played in the par-3 tournament. I would like to win then have a chance to break the jinx."

Even when he's not playing, Nicklaus can draw a crowd.(AP)

No player has won the annual par-3 tournament on Wednesday and then won the Masters.

Nicklaus, 59, still has a target date of playing again in June in his Memorial Tournament.

"I will be playing golf in two or three weeks ," Nicklaus said. "I might even play the week before Memorial. We'll see."

In the 40 times Nicklaus entered the Masters, he finished in the top 10 an incredible 22 times.

Last year, Nicklaus became the oldest player to finish in the top 10, shooting a final-round 4-under-par 68 to tie for sixth.