Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

Tony Jacklin, one of Europe’s greatest golfers of all time, has revealed that he has been living with cancer for the last seven years.

The Ryder Cup legend made the shock announcement as he launched his brand new ‘tell all’ autobiography.

Co-authored by Tony Jimenez, Tony Jacklin: My Ryder Cup Journey tells the story of Jacklin’s remarkable life both on and off the golf course.

Written during lockdown last year, it explores the transformative impact the Englishman had on the Ryder Cup, ending decades of American dominance during his four terms as European captain in the 1980s.

• “So cringe!” – Fans react to Brooks-Bryson video

• The story behind the numbers on the Euro bags

The book covers all aspects of his life, from his huge success on the course to the personal tragedies he has suffered along the way, most the death of his first wife Vivien from a brain haemorrhage in 1988.

However, the biggest revelation of all is Jacklin’s hitherto untold cancer diagnosis.

“It’s one of life’s things, it’s just part
of getting old,” he told Sportsmail. “I was diagnosed with follicular
lymphoma, which is manageable, but it’s incurable.

“It
was funny because I had to listen to two or three Ben Hogan stories
from the doctor, and I’m sitting there thinking, ‘Just tell me whether
I’m going to die or not!’

• Woosnam blasts ‘arrogant’ Brooks Koepka

• Europe’s Ryder Cup gear is VERY pricey…

The 77-year-old added that he has been in remission for the past year-and-a-half.

“I had chemo four different times, a month apart. I kept having the scans and after
four scans I was as good as clear. They said I was officially in
remission. This was 18 months ago and I’m vigilant. I feel fine but you never know.”

Tony Jacklin: My Ryder Cup Journey is available to buy now from all good bookstores and online. Click here for more.


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship