Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon to Debut at 43rd Ryder Cup

The unforgettable act of the 1969 Concession between Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin serves as inspiration for the newly created Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon. This first-of-its-kind award will be given to one player from both the U.S and European Ryder Cup teams who exemplifies sportsmanship, demonstrates teamwork and maximizes performance.

A final day match at the 1969 Ryder Cup became infamous – not for the golf itself but something much grander. Jacklin dropped a long eagle putt on the 17th hole at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, to square his singles contest with Ryder Cup rookie Nicklaus. Then on 18, Nicklaus rolled in a putt for par that left his opponent needing to sink a two-footer to halve the match. Sacrificing individual gain for the greater good of his team, Nicklaus picked up Jacklin’s ball marker to concede the putt. After that good-natured decision, Nicklaus and Jacklin walked off the green with their arms wrapped around each other. The iconic event – now simply known as “The Concession” – instantly epitomized the sportsmanship that embodies the Ryder Cup.

“Inspired by the events at the 1969 competition, this new award embodies values we aspire to at Aon, and also celebrates the decisions that will continue to shape the future of this iconic team event,” said Carlo Clavarino, Executive Chairman, International Business, Aon. “In golf - as in business - the decisions that really make an impact aren’t always obvious. Every day, we work to ensure our clients have the information, insights and advice they need to make better decisions that deliver successful outcomes.”

“To have an award that represents all that the Ryder Cup stands for, and recognizes two greats in the game of golf in the process, is quite special,” adds Tony Finau, Aon Ambassador and member of the 2018 U.S. Ryder Cup Team. “When I look back on my career one day, I hope to have been a part of many Ryder Cup teams, and a recipient of The Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon along the way.”

The winners will be selected following the completion of play by a committee consisting of Nicklaus, Jacklin, Clavarino, a past European Ryder Cup captain, past U.S. Ryder Cup captain, Sky talent representative, and NBC talent representative. It will be brought to life in the lead-up to the 43rd Ryder Cup through a multi-channel campaign, showcasing how insights and advice have enabled players and captains to have the clarity and confidence to make better decisions.

Just as that enterprising decision shaped the complexion of future Ryder Cups, the choices players make in competition today continue to mold the outcome of golf’s greatest team event. For more information on The Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon, visit RyderCup.com/aon