Tony Jacklin was a British folk hero when, in 1969 at Royal Lytham, he became the first native player since Max Faulkner (51), to win the British Open.
He was almost as famous as The Beatles by the time he won 1970 U.S. Open. Jacklin, the son of a truck driver and a professional golfer, completed his Hall of Fame career as he was four-time captain of Europe’s Ryder Cup team (1983-1989).
Jacklin moved to Florida later and, although he doesn’t pick up any clubs anymore, he still closely follows the game.
Jacklin was asked by the New York Times recently if he would consider a move to LIV Golf, if the startup circuit was an option.
“I would have probably listened but I had everything in 1971. I was happy to be married. I was a father to a child. I owned a Rolls-Royce. I owned nice houses. Jacklin stated that money was not my main criteria. “I wanted to be the best player anywhere in the world. I knew that I would be rewarded with money if I succeeded.
Jacklin is known for his ability to keep things in perspective. Jacklin was asked by Adam Schupak, Golfweek’s 2020 editor, which Ryder Cup experience is more memorable: a win in 1985 at Brabazon Course in The Belfry, England, or a subsequent victory on American soil in 1987.
Former Ryder Cup captains Tony Jacklin from Europe and Jack Nicklaus from the United States spoke during the 2016 Ryder Cup Opening Ceremonies at Hazeltine National Golf Club, September 29, 2016, Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jacklin stated, “It’s probably 1983 when it lost.” Let me explain. As it turned out, there were many things that I had to change when I assumed the helm. Six months prior, they didn’t choose me for the job. We lost only one point and I was not the captain’s pick. The team had a room that was unique to them. We also had travel equality and made sure the uniforms were properly arranged. This helped boost the players’ self-esteem. Although we were disappointed that it wasn’t possible, Seve said, “Don’t be so sorry.” This is a victory.
“That was a steppingstone for winning on home soil back in 1985. It was a great win, but Jack’s victory in 1987 at Muirfield Village (Nicklaus was the U.S. captain) will be remembered as the best. It was a great victory that validated my efforts to improve my dominance.
“You must understand that, in the 1960s and 1970s, we were there and wanted to win. But we didn’t have confidence. Although we had the bravado, we didn’t believe it. After ’83, I went back and thought about what we could do better. I concluded that we had done it right and Europe has dominated since then.”
