Jack Nicklaus played competitive golf for the first time in nine months at last weekend's Bell Atlantic Classic on the US Seniors Tour. Nicklaus hadn't played since the US Seniors Open last summer and had hip replacement surgery in January. He underwent a strict rehabilitation programme and returned two months ahead of doctors' initial estimates. He finished the Bell Atlantic event on two under par after rounds of 74, 70, 70. Tom Jenkins took the title in a play-off with Jim Thorpe after both finished on 10-under.