Golf mourning Barnes’ death
BRIAN Barnes, who famously beat Jack Nicklaus twice in one day in the Ryder Cup, has died at the age of 74.
Barnes, who won the Senior British Open in 1995 at Royal Portrush and defended the title at the venue the following year, died from cancer on Monday afternoon.
Barnes was born in Addington, Surrey and the defining moment of his career came in the 1975 Ryder Cup at Laurel Valley when he beat Masters and US PGA champion Jack Nicklaus 4&2 in the morning singles.
“Jack had gone to Arnold (Palmer, the US captain) and said, ‘There is only one match the punters want, and that’s Barnesy and I’,” he said. “That was the only time in the history of the Ryder Cup that the match order was changed at that stage.”
Nicklaus started the rematch with two birdies but Barnes fought back to win 2&1, although Great Britain and Ireland were beaten 21-11.
Portrush played an important part in Barnes’ life as it was there that his father-in-law Max Faulkner won The Open in 1951. ENGLAND will adopt a self-policing approach to drinking in Japan to ensure there is no repeat of the controversies that blighted the most recent overseas World Cup.
Eddie Jones’ squad have touched down in Miyazaki, the setting for a week-long training camp where they will step up preparations for their tournament opener against Tonga on September 22.
Jones has allowed alcohol to be consumed throughout his reign and the policy will remain over the forthcoming campaign to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.
At the 2011 World Cup, Martin Johnson’s England became embroiled in a series of off-field incidents that undermined their pursuit of the sport’s greatest prize and also stained Twickenham’s reputation.
Ben Youngs was present in New Zealand eight years ago and, as a senior player, has been involved in shaping the approach taken to Japan.
“We’ve addressed the elephant in the room and spoken about how off-field stuff can bring unneeded attention that affects momentum,” the Leicester scrumhalf said.
“Sometimes guys will get it wrong, but in this group I think guys will look out for each other. We want to see Japan and have down time.
“If guys want to have a drink, that’s not a problem. The guys will police each other and make sure everyone makes the right decision.
“If you’re putting the team first then that’s the main thing. I’ll be surprised if boys want to have a drink.
“You’ve just got to be smart adults. You’re representing the country and you’re represent