How Jack Nicklaus performed in Ryder Cups after finally appearing for Team USA after 7 major wins

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Jack Nicklaus is arguably the greatest golfer of all time but when it comes to the Ryder Cup, he’s not the first name that comes to mind for Team USA.

Nicklaus had to wait until he’d won seven majors before finally making his debut appearance at Royal Birkdale in 1969.

Over the years, we’ve seen countless players from the American side make huge impacts in Ryder Cups but when it comes to Jack Nicklaus, his story is more reserved.

Still, Nicklaus was involved in Ryder Cups, albeit not as many as he might have wanted given the rules in place at the time which prevented his participation.

However, when Nicklaus did get the chance to play for his country, he very much showed his class.

Jack Nicklaus’ Ryder Cup record

Despite only playing in the Ryder Cup six times, Jack Nicklaus has a fine record to look back on.

In those six tournaments, he was on the winning side five times, while his own record is one that stands up against the very best.

Overall, Nicklaus holds a fine record of 17 wins, 8 losses and three halves, meaning he’s very much in the upper echelons in terms winning percentages.

Famously, Nicklaus caught the eye on his debut Ryder Cup performance as he gave up a three foot putt to Tony Jacklin on the 18th hole, despite the Englishman needing to make a three and half footer to save par and halve the hole.

• READ MORE: What Jack Nicklaus once told Patrick Cantlay about his attitude on the golf course in private conversation

How Jack Nicklaus was beaten twice in the same day at the 1975 Ryder Cup

Not many people will be able to lay claim to beating Jack Nicklaus at any point in their career, never mind at a Ryder Cup.

However, in the 1975 edition of the tournament at Laurel Valley, Brian Barnes did just that…twice.

Playing in the morning singles, Barnes managed to beat Nicklaus 4&2 to get one of the biggest wins of his golf career.

But in even more impressive fashion, Barnes was sent back out to play Nicklaus in the afternoon for another singles session and once more, he held his own and saw off Nicklaus 2&1.

Remarkably, the match only happened at the request of the captains, with Nicklaus expected to get his revenge and see off Barnes. But to the shock of everyone on course, Barnes did the business again to cap one of the most memorable weeks in Ryder Cup history.