Jack Nicklaus teaches US Ryder Cup team some home truths

The USA’s bid for Ryder Cup glory steps up a notch with a gathering of the top contenders for the team at the Florida home of Jack Nicklaus later this month.

Nicklaus played in six Ryder Cups (1969-1981) and was a winning captain in 1983, but lost out to Tony Jacklin’s side four years later when Eamonn Darcy won his singles encounter at Muirfield Village to seal success for Europe in 1987.

Now it seems that the golfing legend is doing his part for the next generation of US stars under the captaincy of Davis Love III, at his Palm Beach Gardens residence.

Love III disclosed the details of the event - with five vice-captains and some 20 probable and possible Hazeltine members expected to attend — to Graeme McDowell in Hawaii last month.

“Davis did mention to me, and I’m not sure if it’s common knowledge, but Jack (Nicklaus) is having them around to the house the week of the Honda Classic,” said McDowell.

“I’m sure it will not be a big top secret dinner but then Davis said that Jack is hosting about 25 of the American Ryder Cup team that week.

“But then given the likes of Jordan (Spieth) and Rickie (Fowler) are talking about the Ryder Cup in January, and that never happens, it seems they’re really fired up for it and it’s a big priority for them.

“And given this intensity the Americans seem to have this early in a campaign, I just want to be there come late September.”

McDowell is among four five Irishman, including defending champion Rory McIlroy, European Team captain Darren Clarke, Belfast’s Michael Hoey, and former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley competing in Dubai this week.