Jun22 Jackoreturns

Jacko is back…

Tony Jacklin, the last European to conquer the sternest golfing examination that is the US Open Championship, will make his first appearance in the UK Great Britain for almost two years when he tees up today (fri) in the first round of the Bendinat London Seniors Masters at The London GC, Kent.

The two-time major winner (he won the 1969 Open and the 1970 US Open) features in a strong field that includes Costantino Rocca, Sam Torrance and 1963 Open Champion Bob Charles in addition to 27 of the top 30 from last year’s European Seniors Tour Order of Merit.

Jacklin, who now lives in Florida, actually officially opened this week’s venue in 1994 with two other golfing legends – Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus – but the Bendinat London Seniors Masters will represent his first competitive outing on the Nicklaus-designed Heritage Course.

“I last played in The Open at St Andrews two years ago and have not played competitively since,” explained Jacklin. “I got talked into playing this year’s Senior Open Championship and The Open by some friends of mine when I was out in Barbados, so I am here at The London Golf Club to feel my way back into the game.

“However, this is a challenging golf course and we have had brisk winds for the past two days. I opened the course 13 years ago and it was a good test then, and it’s a good test now.”

During his hiatus from the game, the former Ryder Cup captain has reverted to a short putter and feels a renewed sense of confidence.

“Since I have stopped playing competitively the pressure has been off and I have got more comfortable with my putting. That’s a big thing for me as I never cared much for the crutch, as I used to call it,” added Jacklin.