Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin return as Honorary Captains for Concession Cup

The Amateur Golf Alliance (AGA) and Concession Cup has confirmed that both the legendary 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, winner of the U.S. Open and Open Championship, will return as honorary captains for the second instalment of the biennial amateur team match-play competition.

The 2016 Concession Cup is April 19 – 23 at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, the award-winning course and club that was inspired by one of sports’ most-heralded acts of sportsmanship. Known throughout history as “The Concession,” it was at the 1969 Ryder Cup when Nicklaus conceded a 2-foot putt to Jacklin in the final singles match that led to the first tie in the history of the matches. The Concession Cup was created to celebrate this iconic moment.

As part of Nicklaus’ and Jacklin’s roles as Honorary Captains, the World Golf Hall of Fame members will be featured guests at the event’s Opening Celebration on Tuesday, April 19. The Concession Cup Opening Celebration will be a special night for all in attendance, giving attendees the opportunity to recognize the Concession Cup and be part of a platform to raise funds for charity.

The Concession Cup was created to celebrate amateur golf through the staging of a goodwill match-play competition. The event was also created to provide financial benefit to various worthy charities within the Bradenton / Tampa / St. Petersburg area. The inaugural event in 2014 generated over $176,000 for three very deserving organizations: Orphan's Heart Foundation, The First Tee of Tampa Bay, The First Tee of Sarasota / Manatee and Nicklaus Children's Heath Care Foundation.

“I’m delighted to be a part of the second playing of the Concession Cup,” Nicklaus said. “The inaugural event was a tremendous success and I’m very pleased to once again join my good friend Tony Jacklin as an Honorary Captain. The inaugural event in 2014 helped shine a spotlight on amateur golf, which I’ve held a deep appreciation and respect for throughout my career, and raise funds for deserving charities. On behalf of my wife Barbara, we also want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Concession Cup for including the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in the fundraising efforts of the first-playing of this very special event.”

“I’ve been eagerly anticipating the return of the Concession Cup since the final putt dropped in 2014,” Jacklin said. “What a wonderful event! The spirit of the 1969 Ryder Cup Matches truly permeated the grounds of The Concession Golf Club during the inaugural event as the U.S. Team catptured the Sir Michael Bonallack and William Campbell Trophy. I’m honoured for the chance to again serve as the Honorary Captain for the GB&I team and look forward to welcoming the players, sponsors and fans to the Club this April.”

Tournament officials also announced today that Concession Golf Club member, Paul Azinger will take a prominent role with the 2016 Concession Cup. Azinger, the 1993 PGA Championship winner who captained the victorious 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team, will serve as the event’s Honorary Chairman.

“This is a great event for the community to support and attend,” Azinger said. “The Tuesday evening Opening Celebration with Jack and Tony attending and the Wednesday Am/Am tournament are perfect ways to attend a special event and give back to the community. And for charities to be involved and benefiting from the event’s success makes it even more special. Not to mention the competition...

“I know a number of these guys and there are some tremendous players – all of whom have incredible amateur records. Many have played in major championships and participated on Walker Cup teams. It is a special privilege to serve as honorary chairman and I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to support the event and the Club.”

The Concession, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course designed in association with Tony Jacklin, is a nationally ranked course and club with ownership and a membership that has a history of celebrating competitive golf in its purest form. The Concession Cup is an extension of that passion.

“We’re thrilled to have the support of Jack, Tony, Paul and Gary for this year’s Concession Cup,” said Bruce Cassidy Jr., principal of The Concession Golf Club. “What a tremendous statement of strength it is to have these gentlemen agree to once again champion our tournament. Their participation increased the profile of what was a tremendously successful inaugural event, and I’m confident it will have the same effect this year as we celebrate the spirit of amateur golf, April 19-23 at The Concession.”

The Concession Cup will deliver a world-class experience for its participants, sponsors, volunteers, attendees and members of The Concession Golf Club while showcasing top amateur golfers from the U.S. and GB&I in the true spirit, character and competitiveness of amateur golf, all for the benefit of charity.

Vinny Giles and Garth McGimpsey return as team captains for the U.S. and GB&I respectively. Giles will lead the U.S. Team in defence of their 2014 Concession Cup title. While McGimpsey looks to bounce back after his GB&I squad lost the Sir Michael Bonallack and William Campbell Trophy 21 ½ to 14 ½ in the inaugural event.

One of America's most decorated amateur players, the 73-year-old Giles won both the U.S. Amateur and Amateur Championships, and has been low amateur in both the Masters Tournament and U.S. Open. He also brings a wealth of team experience, having played in four Walker Cups, in addition to becoming one of the most successful agents in golf, representing the likes of Ernie Els, Davis Love III and Lanny Wadkins.

"I'm honoured to reprise my role as U.S. captain for the 2016 Concession Cup," said Giles. "The idea of representing your country just really resonates, and that's a message I kept hearing during the inaugural event, especially from the younger mid amateurs. There was an abundance of pride emanating from both teams in 2014 and I'm looking forward to being a part of that and experiencing the spirit of international amateur team competition again."

"It will be a great thrill to return as captain for team GB&I," said McGimpsey, the former Amateur Champion and captain of the victorious GB&I Walker Cup team in 2003. "Our group had an unbelievable experience in 2014. To play for your country and compete knowing the tradition and history that The Concession Cup commemorates is truly special."

Players will compete over three days through the traditional team match-play formats of foursome, fourball and singles. Each team will be comprised of 18 players separated into three categories: eight (8) Mid-Amateur members (age 25 to 54); eight (8) Senior Amateur members, age 55 and older; and two (2) Senior Amateur members, age 65 and older.

For more about the Concession Cup, visit the event's official website.