Nicklaus salutes Europeans

Press, 24 September 1987, Page 41

Nicklaus salutes Europeans

NZPA-Reuter Dublin, Ohio Jack Nicklaus, nonplaying captain of the United States golf team challenging for the Ryder Cup in Dublin, Ohio, this week-end, said yesterday that the defending Europeans had an excellent chance of winning in United States for the first time. "It’s a real possibility,” Nicklaus told a group of reporters, most of them from Europe. “You. have a strong team — maybe the best

you’ve had in a long time. “We will have good matches. There will be real competition.” Tony Jacklin, Nicklaus’s opposite number as captain of the European side, predictably agreed. “This is the first time I’ve come to United States and felt we have a chance to win,” he said. “I have no doubt my feelings are shared by most of the side.” Twelve of Europe’s best golfers hope to make Ryder Cup history by retaining the coveted cup

and winning on United States soil —- both for the first time. An equally determined group of Americans, still smarting after losing the golden chalice two years ago, will bid to prevent the Europeans from embarrassing them again. Jacklin faced his first crisis yesterday. — his team’s golf bags were too small. “They are one step up from carry bags,” Jacklin said. “I’ve been at it for the past hour trying to get it straightened out.”