At the conclusion of the 1975 Ryder Cup at Laurel Valley golf club in ­Pennsylvania, the United States non-playing captain Arnold Palmer spoke at the closing ceremony. He congratulated his team on their resounding 21-10 victory while wryly noting that Jack Nicklaus had lost his two singles matches on the final day. For both, Nicklaus had drawn the talented English player Brian Barnes.

Palmer, who knew Nicklaus as well as anyone, said with gentle sarcasm that, “Jack didn’t mind losing those two matches.” Nicklaus never picked up on his friend’s teasing and countered that he did indeed mind. Of course he did. He was Jack Nicklaus.

Barnes was a different kettle of smoked cod. He dressed flamboyantly, smoked a pipe while playing and it was