In addition to playing a leading role in securing only the fifth European team away win in Ryder Cup history, Tommy Fleetwood was also awarded the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award in recognition of ‘being competitor who best embodies the true spirit of the event while displaying a commitment to playing with integrity’.
The award, which was first presented in 2021, is named after two of the game’s greats, Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, who shared a moment of true sportsmanship at the 1969 Ryder Cup, when Nicklaus conceded Jacklin a three-foot putt on the 18th hole at Royal Birkdale that resulted in the match ending in a 16-16 tie.
Fleetwood delivered a standout performance at Bethpage Black, finishing with a 4–1–0 record, contributing four critical points to Europe’s 15-13 win. Playing alongside Rory McIlroy, the pairing once again proved unbeatable, posting decisive foursome victories over Collin Morikawa and Harris English. Fleetwood also partnered with Justin Rose to secure two fourball wins, including a 3&2 triumph over Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau. With these results, Fleetwood’s career Ryder Cup record now stands at 7–3–2, giving him the highest winning percentage among European players with at least 10 matches played.
But it was not only Fleetwood’s statistics that defined his week – it was the way he carried himself in the heat of competition. In tense moments, Fleetwood remained a calming presence, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted and reliable teammate and integral member of the European team room. He handled the intensity of the New York crowd with grace and demonstrated that true success in the Ryder Cup is measured not only by points won but by winning the right way.
Speaking about winning the award, Fleetwood said; “When you play in a team event like this you don’t necessarily set out to win individual awards, but to focus on playing the right way and make the right decisions when it matters most. But to be acknowledged like this, winning an award that is named after such legends as Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin and in some way follow in their footsteps, is very cool.
“Sportsmanship is important to our game and the Ryder Cup is the most intense environment we experience, and things can always happen that test you, but Luke Donald has instilled in this team an amazing attitude that we should always play with the right spirit. That has really helped us get over the line and win the Ryder Cup once again.”
Andy Marcell, CEO of Global Solutions at Aon, which sponsors the award, said: “This year’s winner, Tommy Fleetwood, exemplifies the power of making better decisions under pressure, a principle that drives our work every day. Congratulations to Tommy, whose leadership on and off the course reflects the very best of what this award stands for.”