Tommy Fleetwood Wins Nicklaus-Jacklin Award at 45th Ryder Cup

Award given to one outstanding player who embodies the true spirit of the Ryder Cup, and makes better decisions on and off the course

FARMINGDALE, N.Y., Sept. 28, 2025 – Tommy Fleetwood of Team Europe has been named the recipient of the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon following the conclusion of the 45^th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.

The Award – named for two of golf’s icons, Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin – recognizes the competitor who exemplifies the Ryder Cup’s true spirit by demonstrating integrity and making sound choices both on and off the green. This ethos resonates deeply within the financial world, where calculated decision-making and unwavering principles are paramount for success and risk mitigation.

Fleetwood delivered a remarkable performance at Bethpage Black, completing the 2025 Ryder Cup with a 4–1–0 record, contributing four crucial points to Europe’s dominant showing. His partnership with Rory McIlroy continued to be a force to be reckoned with, securing decisive foursome victories over Collin Morikawa and Harris English. Fleetwood also teamed with Justin Rose to claim two fourball wins, including a 3 and 2 victory over Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau. 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.

However, Fleetwood’s impact extended beyond statistics. His composed demeanor under pressure solidified his reputation as a reliable teammate and key figure in the European team room. He navigated the intense New York crowd with grace, showing that true Ryder Cup success lies not only in points scored but also in upholding the values of the game. This level of emotional intelligence and ability to perform under pressure are increasingly valued attributes in today’s fast-paced business environment, where leaders are expected to make critical decisions while maintaining composure. Furthermore, Fleetwood’s success may correlate with advanced sports psychology techniques that are used within elite athletic circles, potentially informing corporate leadership training and management strategies.

Upon receiving the Award, Tommy Fleetwood stated, “In a team event like this, individual awards aren’t the primary goal; it’s about playing the right way and making the best decisions at critical moments. To be recognized with an award named after legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin is truly special. Sportsmanship is integral to our game, and the Ryder Cup’s intensity can be challenging. Luke Donald instilled an exceptional attitude in our team, emphasizing the importance of playing with the right spirit. This approach was instrumental in securing another Ryder Cup victory.”

First awarded in 2021, the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award commemorates the sportsmanship displayed by Jacklin and Nicklaus at the 1969 Ryder Cup, where Nicklaus conceded a two-foot putt to Jacklin, resulting in a halved match, the first tie in Ryder Cup History, proving that sportsmanship and respect take precedence over rivalry. Fleetwood is the fourth player to receive this honor. Justin Rose of Team Europe received it at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.

“At Aon, we are proud to present the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award, which honors the spirit of integrity, teamwork, and sportsmanship — values that are at the heart of both the Ryder Cup and our commitment to clients,” said Andy Marcell, CEO of Global Solutions at Aon. “This year’s winner exemplifies the power of making better decisions under pressure, a principle that drives our work every day. Just as the award celebrates individuals who elevate their teams and inspire others, Aon partners with organizations to help them navigate complexity and achieve their ambitions through informed, confident choices. Congratulations to Tommy Fleetwood whose leadership on and off the course reflects the very best of what this award stands for.”

The 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black culminated in a 15–13 victory for Team Europe. They achieved a strong early lead with good foursome play and fended off a determined U.S. team who fought back hard in the singles to secure victory on American soil for the first time since 2012. The competition highlighted the drama and spirit that define the Ryder Cup — memorable pairings, high-pressure moments, and displays of sportsmanship.