Tony Jacklin on the amount of money currently on the line in professional golf: “It’s obscene”

As Tony Jacklin celebrates his 80th birthday, the legendary golfer took the opportunity to reflect on his illustrious career and the current state of professional golf in a recent interview. Known for his major championship victories and Ryder Cup captaincy, Jacklin didn’t hold back when discussing the changes in the sport he once dominated. 

Tony Jacklin’s insights come at a time when golf is undergoing significant transformations, with new technologies and increasing prize money dramatically altering the landscape. His candid remarks shed light on what he sees as the chaotic state of modern golf, a far cry from the game he knew and loved.

Jacklin’s name is synonymous with British golf. Born in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, Jacklin rose to prominence with his victory in the 1969 Open Championship and the 1970 U.S. Open. His success on the course, coupled with his leadership as a Ryder Cup captain, solidified his status as one of the most talented British golfers of all time. 

Reflecting on his career, Tony Jacklin noted:

“Timing is everything in life. You realize that as you get older. A lot of things you do, that you might think deserve recognition, don’t necessarily always get it. If the timing is wrong, bad luck. But I think I came along at the right time.”

Jacklin’s early career was marked by significant achievements in amateur golf, including a Boys Amateur Championship appearance and a Lincolnshire Open victory at just 17 years old. These victories paved the way for his professional career, where he continued to impress and set records.

Tony Jacklin on the State of the Game Today

In his interview, Tony Jacklin expressed deep concerns about the current state of professional golf, using strong language to describe the sport as “chaotic.” He elaborated:

“We’ve been in a state of chaos for a couple of years. I’m tired of watching guys hit 9-irons and wedges into every hole, shooting 62s and 61s from courses that are supposed to be great courses.”

Tony Jacklin’s critique extends to the impact of modern technology on the game. He believes that technological advancements, originally intended to help amateur players, have distorted the professional game.

“The technology was never to help pros, it was always to help amateurs, but they took the pros as an example and now all the pros are playing what the amateurs were supposed to,” he said.

He drew a parallel with baseball, where professionals use wooden bats, suggesting that golf should similarly maintain traditional equipment.

“In baseball, they use wooden bats, the pros. We should still be using a similar wood in my opinion. These fellas, the guys that dedicate their lives to being better, they don’t need the help. But they’ve got it whether they like it or not, and of course, on top of that, they’re getting paid an obscene amount.”

Tony Jacklin didn’t shy away from commenting on the financial aspects of modern golf. He lamented the enormous sums of money now involved in the sport.

“It’s obscene, hundreds of millions of dollars for playing golf. You’re joking!” he exclaimed.

Reflecting on his own days as a professional, Jacklin recalled:

“I remember the days of Peter Alliss and Christy O’Connor Sr., we’d play an exhibition match on a Sunday on the way home from a tournament for £40, and thinking we’d had a reasonable day. Now, the caddies make ten times as much as the pros used to make!”

Despite his criticisms, Jacklin was careful to clarify that he does not blame the current players for the state of the game.

“The last thing I want to appear is sort of resentful. It’s not the players’ fault. I don’t blame them one bit. They’re all doing things that they do best,” he said.

His comments reflect a broader frustration with the systemic changes in the sport rather than the individuals who play it.

Tony Jacklin’s remarks also touched on the broader implications of the sport’s commercialism.

“Give Tiger another hundred million dollars for doing something and it’ll be fine. Just throw money at everything and the world will be a better place. Marvelous!” he quipped, highlighting the irony he sees in the current state of professional golf.

As Tony Jacklin prepares to host the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, his reflections offer a sobering look at the changes in golf over the past decades. His perspective as a seasoned veteran provides valuable insights into the ongoing debates about technology, tradition, and the commercialization of the sport.