Tony Jacklin

Anthony Jacklin, known as Tony, is a legendary professional golf player, and a renowned golf designer. An Englishman who came to the United States in the late 60s, Tony was the most successful British player of his generation.

Tony was born in Scunthorpe, England, to a working-class family. His father, a truck driver who used to love playing golf, was Tony’s main influence. By age 19, Tony had already joined the British tour and was at that time the only golfer who played for a living. In the ‘63 Open Tournament, held in England, Tony had his first major win, clinching the tournament and its hefty purse.

Tony went on to play in the prominent Ryder Cup for many years, and as captain of Europe’s team, from 1983 to 1989. During the 1969 game, Tony was matched against another remarkable golfer and course designer, Jack Niklaus, with the two ending the round with tied scores. The popular scene, now more popularly known as ‘The Concession,’ is regarded as one of the great moments of golf and sportsmanship. Tony and Jack finished the play by shaking hands and walked off the course with their arms on each other’s shoulders.

Tony and Jack met again many years later and teamed up to create a Florida masterpiece, the championship layout at The Concession Golf Club. This routing was recognized by Golf Digest as America’s 2006 Best New Private Course.

When asked about his experience as a golf designer, Tony said in an interview, "I have a lot of practical know-how and common sense. I'm good at judging terrain. But I'm not an architect, and I'm quite happy and comfortable working with other people. As a player, I gave myself the best chance to be the best I could be, and I want to do the same in my course design career."

Image courtesy of: Jacklin Design Group

Website: https://tonyjacklin.com/