June 18, 2008 07:07 by Tony Jacklin

For my money the 108th US Open was probably the most captivating golf television I’ve ever watched.  It was a truly amazing performance by Tiger Woods who showed us time and again his great powers of concentration.  I was delighted to see Rocco Mediate play so well.  He is such a terrific guy, that performance probably made his life. 

Lee Westwood put up a great fight and looked to me to be better than he’s ever been.  If he can maintain the same form he is bound to be a threat when he comes in front of his own home crowd at The Open Championship at Birkdale in July.

It is also going to be interesting to see if Tiger’s knee will allow him to play in The Open Championship.  It seemed to me as if he was pushing it to the limit this past week.  He certainly doesn’t want to be taking any chances on that score.

June 6, 2008 11:30 by Tony Jacklin

It was a great thrill for me to be chosen as the 2008 Honoree at Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament.  There are approximately 12 members in the Captain’s club that chose each year’s list of honorees.  Colin Maclaine and Sir Michael Bonallack are both members of this body.  It was nice to see them there on the occasion and catch up with them. 

It was a particular pleasure to have my youngest son, Sean, alongside me for the three days.  I’m sure it was an experience he will long remember. 

I did play in the pro-am tournament while I was up there alongside of KJ Choi who was the defending champion.  What a fine gentleman he is.  He told me he understands about 80% of the English he hears and speaks about 40%.  He now basis himself full time in Houston.

Kenny Perry was ice-cool all week long and ended up the winner.  I have no doubt, because of that, he will be on Paul Azinger’s Ryder Cup team to meet Europe later this year.  It’s particularly gratifying for him as the matches are in his home state of Kentucky. 

April 1, 2008 10:00 by Tony Jacklin

We had the opening of the Jonathan Yarwood academy at The Concession on March 22, 2008.  There were 200 people in attendance and all enjoyed sumptuous food by Sean Murphy who will be in charge of all food and catering once the new clubhouse is complete.

Also in attendance was former US Open Champion Michael Campbell who has been coached by Jonathan for 10 years.  To round out the professionals was this year’s US Ryder Cup Team Captain Paul Azinger.  Paul is also a fellow honorary member at The Concession.

Inevitably the conversation turned to The Ryder Cup in mid-September.  I couldn’t help but see similarity in Paul’s approach to this year’s matches as I had to my first Captaining of the European Team in 1983.

I remember back in 1983 wanting the playing field, as it were, to be a level one, at least before mach play started.  On that basis I requested Concord for the trip to The US as well as the best available clothing.  I also wanted 3 player picks.  Paul’s requirements with regards to team travel and clothing is not an issue, but certainly he felt strongly about the qualifying system and requested 4 player choices of his own.  To the best of my recollection, I had 3. 

The bottom line is that the matches are going to be close anyway and as captain you like to think you have as much strength in depth as you can muster.