Tommy Fleetwood has been named the 2025 Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon, recognizing him as the competitor at the Ryder Cup who most embodied the spirit, integrity, and decision-making expected in golf’s greatest team event.
The award, first introduced in 2021, is rooted in the iconic sportsmanship moment between Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin in the 1969 Ryder Cup, when Nicklaus conceded a putt to Jacklin to tie the match, a gesture that elevated respect above rivalry.
In a week packed with tension, momentum swings, and high stakes at Bethpage Black, Fleetwood’s on-course performance and off-course demeanor made him a standout choice. While many players delivered in clutch moments, Fleetwood’s combination of points, consistency, and poise solidified him as the fitting recipient.
Performance That Spoke Loudly
Over the Ryder Cup week, Fleetwood posted a 4-1-0 record, delivering critical points that contributed directly to Europe’s narrow 15-13 victory over the U.S. He was instrumental in both team and individual formats: pairing with Rory McIlroy in foursomes, where their combination proved dominant, and teaming with Justin Rose in fourballs to take down top U.S. pairings like Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau.
These performances pushed his Ryder Cup career numbers to 7-3-2, giving him the highest winning percentage among European players with at least 10 matches played. That kind of statistical excellence certainly strengthens the case for the award, but it’s not purely about numbers.
“Sportsmanship is important to our game, and the Ryder Cup is the most intense environment we experience,” Fleetwood said. “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.”
Character Beyond the Scorecard
What makes the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award special is that it acknowledges how the game is played, not just what the scoreboard reads. Fleetwood was singled out not only for racking up points, but for conducting himself with calm, respect, and consistency amid one of the most pressured Ryder Cups in recent memory.
Observers noted how he remained a stabilizing force in the team room, less likely to be swayed by the roar of the New York crowd, and more focused on doing the right things in each moment. He handled tension, noise, and the mental pressure with a steadiness that reminded many why sportsmanship matters at the highest level.
In his acceptance remarks, Fleetwood downplayed the idea of setting out to win an individual award.
“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,” Fleetwood said. “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.”
Significance & Legacy in the Ryder Cup Context
Assigning this award in the same week as Europe’s first U.S. win since 2012 gives it extra resonance. It signals that Europe’s victory was not just about momentum or lucky breaks; it was earned by players who excelled under pressure, upheld values, and made decisions that reinforced team cohesion.
The Nicklaus-Jacklin Award helps anchor what many in golf hope Ryder Cup will always be: a fierce competition, yes, but one where respect, integrity, and mutual regard remain central. In honoring Fleetwood, the organizers affirm that how you win matters as much as winning itself.