Despite His Beautiful Gesture, Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus Suffered Immense Backlash and Was ‘Barbecued’ After Lending a Helping Hand in 1969

Jack Nicklaus is considered one of the wisest people in the golf community. The golf legend has made tons of records in his career. However, other than his records, Nicklaus has also been in the headlines for various controversies on and off the field. And one of his most famous controversies was from the 1969 Ryder Cup involving Tony Jacklin.

The Ryder Cup Controversy of Jack Nicklaus

When thinking of the most talented golfers of all time, legend Jack Nicklaus is one of the first names to strike the head. An inspiration to Tiger Woods, the 18-time major winner’s records are still untouched. However, other than playing incomparable golf, Nicklaus also has a history of being involved in unprovoked controversies. And there was a time when he received all kinds of comments and reactions from fans after the 1969 Ryder Cup.

“There’s been a lot of mileage out of just a two-foot putt,” he once talked to Golfweek about the matter. The unforgettable game between the golf ace and his counterpart from Europe, Tony Jacklin, is still one of the finest moments in the history of golf. And it all happened on the 18th hole at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport.

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The European team was filled with talented golfers from parts of Great Britain and Ireland. However, the Americans had been winning most of the matches in the tournament – 14 of the 17 first encounters. But things were not the same for both teams in 1969. After finishing 31 matches, the teams were each at 15½-15½. Jacklin made a long putt for eagle at the 17th. And it resulted in both players being on the green with two at the par-4 18th with the 17-inch. It was a matter of a few moments before one of them lifted the golden cup. But rather, something unexpected was going to happen on the field, something that no one could have thought of.

What led Nicklaus to the famous controversy?

Nicklaus took a shot and his ball stopped five feet by the hole. On the other hand, Jacklin’s putt was two feet short. And as simple as it was for Nicklaus, he quickly drained his comebacker. But his next step toward his opponent was criticized by numerous fans despite his good intentions.

Intending to offer a helping hand, Nicklaus bent over and picked up his opponent’s marker to concede the putt. The match ended with an equal score of 16-16 for both teams. “Tony had been the first hero that England had had in a long time,” Nicklaus said. “If he would’ve missed that putt, the British press would’ve barbecued him.”

The media and the fans made things very hard for Nicklaus after the match for several weeks. However, the two players were seen walking off the field with their arms wrapped around each other. And the memorable moment was later named “The Concession”. Later, both of them also came together to collaborate on a golf club and gave it the same name. All Nicklaus wanted to do was help his friend, but despite trying to be good, it took a long time for his fans to understand his side of the story.

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