Award To Recognize Better Decisions In The Moments That Matter Most
FRISCO, TX and LONDON – The Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon — which honors the player who best represents the spirit of the Ryder Cup — is set to return for the 2025 competition in New York.
Throughout the history of this iconic event, we have seen incredible displays of sportsmanship, teamwork, and performance. This September, the player who makes better decisions on and off the course will take home the coveted honor.
“The 2025 Ryder Cup is poised to be one of the most unforgettable editions in the event’s storied history,” said Jeff Price, PGA of America Chief Commercial and Philanthropy Officer. “This award continues to celebrate the players who exemplify the very essence of the Ryder Cup through incredible sportsmanship, integrity and respect for the game. We cannot wait to welcome the U.S. and European Teams as well as spectators from around the world to Bethpage Black in September.”
Inspired by two legends of the game, Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, the award commemorates their defining moment of sportsmanship at the 1969 Ryder Cup, when Nicklaus famously conceded Jacklin’s two-foot putt for a halved match, a gesture that resulted in the first tie in Ryder Cup history and forever changed the nature of the competition.
“The Ryder Cup is one of the most pressurized environments in golf and a player’s ability to make smart decisions, in the heat of the moment, is tested to the maximum,” said Richard Atkinson, Chief Ryder Cup Officer at the European Tour Group. “The Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon, returning for its third edition, shines a spotlight on a player who has blended high performance on the course with teamwork and sportsmanship – principles that are integral to the event and so memorably showcased by its namesakes, Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, in 1969. We look forward to seeing which player receives the Award in New York this September.”
Launched at Whistling Straits in 2021, this is the third Ryder Cup event that will feature the Award. Justin Rose, took home the honor at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy and is the focus of a feature documentary Defining Decisions.
“Seeing the impact and growth of the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon over the last three Ryder Cups has brought tremendous pride to our 60,000 colleagues around the world,” said Lisa Stevens, Chief Administrative Officer at Aon. “The award was born from our shared vision with the Ryder Cup to spotlight the values that matter most — teamwork, collaboration, integrity and respect. These principles are at the core of Aon United, and they continue to guide how we show up for our clients, our shareholders, society and each other. We look forward to seeing these values reflected in the players’ performances in New York this September — and in the better decisions they’ll make in the moments that matter most.”
Chosen by representatives from the PGA of America, Ryder Cup Europe and Aon, the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon will be presented at the conclusion of the 2025 Ryder Cup, held at Bethpage Black in New York from September 26–28, 2025. Learn more about the Award and Aon’s Ryder Cup partnership here.
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About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook.
About Ryder Cup Europe
The European Tour group is the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe and has prime responsibility for all matters concerning the European Team; the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland is the Founding Partner; and the Confederation of Professional Golf, the Development Partner, is responsible for the management of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust.
Our Worldwide Partners for the 2025 Ryder Cup are Aon, BMW, Capgemini, Citi, DP World, Rolex and SAP.