Dai Rees, stormed to a memorable victory at Lindrick. After incurring a two-point deficit in the foursomes, the Americans managed just one singles win. Overjoyed by the 7.5-4.5 victory, Rees said: “This is the greatest shot in the arm British golf ever had.” Unfortunately for British golf, the next 28 years yielded just one halved match and, more harmfully, saw interest in the Ryder Cup slip to an all-time low. Indeed, 1969 at Royal Birkdale was the only bright spot in nearly three decades of gloom. Against one of the strongest ever American teams, it was a moment of supreme sportsmanship that secured GB&I a half – only the fourth time in 18 matches they had not lost. After the first round of singles, GB&I actually held a 13-11 lead with reigning Open champion Tony Jacklin inflicting a 4&3 defeat on Jack Nicklaus. The pair were also drawn against each other in the afternoon singles and events conspired to leave matters tied on 15.5-15.5 by the time they reached the 17th tee. With a miraculous eagle on that hole, Jacklin levelled the match. Then, after Nicklaus had holed from six feet for par on last, Jacklin faced a four-footer for the half which would earn a tie. At that point, Nicklaus conceded the putt with the immortal words: “I don’t think you’d have missed that putt, Tony, but in the circumstances I’d never give 184 / CLASSIC SPORTS SERIES