| Jacklin proceeded
to attack everything else in life with the same enthusiasm
that he had once committed to golf, but it wasn't long before
his passion was reignited. In 1983, Jacklin accepted the
role of Ryder Captain, embarking on the next chapter of his
golf career.
While Jacklin's individual record is exemplary,
he is perhaps better known for elevating and transforming
the Ryder Cup to its current status.
"He was the heart and soul of Ryder Cup
golf," said World Golf Hall of Fame member Hale Irwin.
 When Jacklin took the helm in 1983, the matches
were again in danger of being compromised by continued U.S.
success. Nobody better understood its importance than Jacklin.
"The Ryder Cup is more than just golf.
It is your country, your team, your Tour,
your Captain, you're playing for -- it is the ultimate in
golf," explains Jacklin.
Jacklin set the wheels in motion to end the
U.S. domination and nearly pulled off an improbable upset
in 1983. Losing did not diminish the European team's competitive
spirit; rather it ignited an intense rivalry. In 1985, he
was the
inspirational non-playing captain for Europe's first victory
in the Ryder Cup in 28 years. The toothy grin on Jacklin's
face as he wrapped his arms around the trophy was almost
as big as the Ryder Cup itself.
 In 1987, he captained the team that won on
American soil for the first time. Persuaded to do a fourth
tour of duty in 1989, Jacklin's team retained the Cup for
the first time in its history. His infectious enthusiasm
and indomitable spirit energized his team and lifted its
confidence.
"Winning in 1985 was enormous. Then it
was exceeded. There's nothing like the first time for anything,
and in 1987 we won for the first time on American soil, and
nothing can top that," said Jacklin. "It was the
sweetest moment." This was a moment that turned the
Ryder Cup into the hotly contested matches they are today
as well as one of sport's premier events. |
