Tony Jacklin CBE, the golfer who became the first European to win the U.S. Open in 45 years in 1970, has shared recollections of his career, including his motivations for leaving the United Kingdom.

Jacklin achieved a significant double in 1969 and 1970, winning The Open Championship and then the U.S. Open, a feat that had not been accomplished by a European in nearly half a century. He later captained European teams to Ryder Cup victories in 1985 and 1987, marking Europe's first win in 28 years and its first on American soil, respectively.

Born into a family with limited financial means in Scunthorpe, Jacklin's father worked as a locomotive driver in the steelworks. His first job at age ten was a paper round, followed by market work, earning his own money from a young age. He began his career in the steelworks as an apprentice fitter at 15. A pivotal moment came at 16 when he won the Lincolnshire Open, solidifying his ambition to pursue golf professionally.

His professional journey began after writing to Golf Illustrated, leading to an assistant role at Potters Bar Golf Club. By 1963, he competed in The Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, finishing 30th but earning £15 and notably beating Arnold Palmer, who had won the two preceding Opens. This performance provided the financial impetus to continue his career.

Jacklin considers the 1970 U.S. Open his finest performance. The victory earned him $30,000 and a $30,000-a-year promotional deal with Pan American Airways. He contrasted this with modern prize money, noting that current winners receive around $5 million.

Following his major wins, Jacklin purchased a Rolls-Royce and a substantial property in the Cotswolds for £200,000, investing an additional £100,000 in features like an indoor swimming pool and a driving range. His decision to leave the UK was prompted by the tax policies implemented by the Labour government. Specifically, he cited then-Chancellor Denis Healey's intention to levy an 83 percent tax on his worldwide income.

This tax situation led Jacklin to sell his home at a significant loss in 1975 and relocate to Jersey. However, he found Jersey inconvenient for his playing schedule, which was predominantly in America. A subsequent investment in Lloyd's of London, managed by his agents IMG, resulted in substantial financial losses due to a scandal that emerged in the late 1980s. Facing financial difficulties and unable to afford his mortgage on a Scottish property, Jacklin moved to the United States in 1993 to compete on the senior tour, a decision he described as the best he has made.

Jacklin characterized himself as a spender rather than a saver, stating his philosophy that money is meant to be used and enjoyed, rather than accumulated for its own sake. He noted that he has never possessed a million dollars in his bank account. He currently resides 25 miles from Bradenton Golf Club in Florida, which he designed with Jack Nicklaus.