Today golf’s Ryder Cup team competition pits an American against a European squad, but in 1969 it was the US vs. Great Britain in what had become a lopsided rivalry. The Americans had won 14 of 17 previous meetings and were expected to dominate when the biennial event was held at Royal Birkdale in the UK. But “Draw in the Dunes” chronicles a gripping drama that ensued, in which Tony Jacklin and his British mates ferociously battled Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, and their compatriots. Seventeen of 32 matches over three days were decided on the final hole and the overall outcome was a shocking tie that involved one of the sport’s most memorable acts of sportsmanship.
Here’s an excerpt from “Draw in the Dunes”:
“After the matches ended, Captain Eric Brown, that mastermind of morale, pairings, and the draw, was momentarily confused when it came to the simple matter of arithmetic, and his confusion made him a miserable man. Somehow during all the closing drama and tension Great Britain’s fierce leader had miscalculated his sums. He thought his side had lost.
“ ‘I’m pleased we played so well,’ Brown said. 'But to lose such an excitingly close match by only half a point was a very fine performance.’
“[US captain Sam] Snead, standing nearby, wore a puzzled expression. He was painfully aware of the 16-16 score. Brown was embarrassed when informed the matches had not ended in another British defeat. He was also ecstatic.”
