Tony Jacklin CBE, a pivotal figure in European golf, detailed his journey from humble beginnings in Scunthorpe's steelworks to becoming a two-time major champion and Ryder Cup captain. Jacklin's career highlights include winning The Open Championship in 1969 and the U.S. Open in 1970, becoming the first European golfer in 45 years to achieve the U.S. Open victory.
His triumph at the 1970 U.S. Open marked a significant moment, as he became the first European to win the tournament in nearly half a century. This victory, coupled with his win at The Open the previous year, solidified his status as a leading international golfer. He also captained European teams to their first Ryder Cup victory in 28 years in 1985, followed by another win in 1987, securing Europe's first Ryder Cup on American soil.
Jacklin's early life was characterized by financial constraints. His father earned a modest wage at the steelworks, and Jacklin himself began working at age ten with a paper round, later taking on market work. At 15, he followed many young people in his area into an apprenticeship at the steelworks, earning a small weekly wage that was largely contributed to his mother.
A turning point came at age 16 when he won the Lincolnshire Open, solidifying his ambition to pursue golf professionally. He secured an assistant position at Potters Bar Golf Club, which allowed him to earn more than his previous jobs and improve his game significantly. His performance at the 1963 Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, where he finished 30th but outperformed Arnold Palmer, further fueled his career.
Reflecting on his wins, Jacklin expressed particular pride in his 1970 U.S. Open performance, calling it the best golf he ever played. He noted the substantial prize money and promotional deals available at the time, contrasting it with the much larger purses in modern golf. He also recounted purchasing a Rolls-Royce and a large house in the Cotswolds after his successes.
Financial and tax considerations played a significant role in his decision to leave the United Kingdom. Jacklin stated that a proposed 83 percent tax on his worldwide income by the Labour government's Chancellor, Denis Healey, compelled him to sell his property at a loss and relocate. He initially moved to Jersey, but found it inconvenient for his golfing commitments in America.
A major financial setback occurred when investments managed by his agents, IMG, in Lloyd's of London led to significant losses in the late 1980s. At age 49, facing financial difficulties, he moved to the United States in 1993 to compete on the senior tour, a decision he has credited as being the best move of his career. Despite his financial ups and downs, Jacklin maintained a philosophy of spending and enjoying money rather than accumulating it for its own sake.