Jack Nicklaus is one of the greatest golfers to ever play the game. He hosts the annual Memorial Tournament, and there is always an honoree. Since the tournament was founded in 1976, a group of people called the “Captain’s Club” selects an individual to honor for the tournament. The idea came straight from Nicklaus, who wanted to honor those who have grown the game. After the 2024 tournament, he revealed his wife, Barbara, would be the honoree in 2025, and he gave an emotional tribute on camera.
Jack Nicklaus Gives Emotional Tribute To Wife Barbara After Memorial Tournament
2025 will be the 50th Memorial Tournament, and Barbara Nicklaus will be the honoree. Jack Nicklaus choked up, announcing it on camera. After he announced the pick, audible applause could be heard off-camera. Nicklaus talked about what his wife has meant to him and the game of golf.
“Barbara has meant so much to this tournament. Everybody has honored Jack Nicklaus, but Barbara Nicklaus has been right there through everything that’s happened. And the captains felt like that for the 50th running of the Memorial, that it was fitting that Barbara be the honoree. I broke down and cried the other night and I’m crying again now.”
The pair have been married for 64 years, and this choice by the “Captain’s Club” clearly means a lot to him. Seeing the reaction from others points to the impact she has had even though her work is behind the scenes. She has never played professional or even elite amateur golf but has still had a profound impact on the game.
A Huge Impact On The Game And The World
What makes Barbara Nicklaus so amazing is her impact not just on the game of golf but on the world. She has helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for a variety of charitable organizations. The Memorial Tournament’s website outlines how the Nicklaus family, led by Barbara, impacted a children’s hospital in Florida.
In March of 2015, the Nicklauses’ support of children’s hospitals was highly recognized when globally renowned Miami Children’s Hospital was rebranded to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. In November 2017, the entire Miami Children’s Health System was rebranded to Nicklaus Children’s Health System. This includes 17 outpatient centers from Miami to Vero Beach, and west to Naples.
This is just one of the many ways she has had an impact on the world. Golf fans know Jack Nicklaus but Jim Nantz said it best on the broadcast. “There is no tournament without Barbara. There is no Jack Nicklaus,” the famed commentator said. It’s a perfect choice to honor at next year’s tournament.
This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission
