There is a new ‘individual’ award presented at the Ryder Cup. The Inaugural Nicklaus Jacklin Award focuses on the individual player who embodies three focuses of sportsmanship exemplified by the Ryder Cup: Teamwork, Sportsmanship and Performance. These three tenets of all team sports should be celebrated regardless of what sport is played. Additionally, they should be taught and instilled early in all athletes in order to foster an fun and safe sports environment. I support this new award because it provides an avenue to recognize that some individuals are ‘anchors‘ to their team without being at the center of all the hype.
Following the conclusion of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, where the U.S. Ryder Cup Team won its second consecutive domestic Ryder Cup, 19-9, Dustin Johnson (U.S.) and Sergio Garcia (Europe) were named the inaugural recipients of the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon. The players were recognized as those who best embodied the spirit of the famous 1969 concession, when Jack Nicklaus conceded a 2-foot putt to Tony Jacklin for a halved match that resulted in the first tie in Ryder Cup history.
This new award commemorates sportsmanship, teamwork and performance in the context of better decision-making. These three attributes that were brought to the forefront by Johnson and Garcia also reflect Aon’s values and commitment to helping clients shape business decisions for the better.
https://www.rydercup.com/news-media/dustin-johnson-sergio-garcia-win-inaugural-nicklaus-jacklin-award-presented-by-aon-at-the-43rd-ryder-cup
The selection of Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia were solid. Both helped their teams in their own way that exemplified the intent of the Inaugural Nicklas – Jacklin Award. They are well respected professional golfers whose prominence will also add some credence to this new award.
Congratulations to both players! I look forward to you representing your respective teams at the next Ryder Cup.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 