COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the Memorial Tournament came to a close Sunday, founder Jack Nicklaus broke down in tears as he announced that his wife would be the tournament’s next honoree.
Barbara Nicklaus was selected as the honoree of the 50th Memorial by the Captains Club. She is often called the “First Lady of Golf” as she has been an influential figure in the game and a guiding force behind her husband in his career.
“Barbara Nickalus has been right there with everything that has happened, and the captains felt with the 50th running of the Memorial, that it was fitting that Barbara be the nominee,” Jack said with tears welling in his eyes during an interview on live television. “I broke down and cried the other night and I’m crying again now.”
Jack was the honoree of the 25th edition.
“She’s been behind the scenes with everything that’s happened. I thought that was a very emotional choice for me,” Jack said.
10TV’s Dom Tiberi spoke with Barbara after the announcement was made. Barbara said it was a surprise and she never thought it would happen.
“Well, I think I was totally speechless. I’m not sure how long it took me to get a word out,” Barbara told Dom. “I thought, ‘Wow, should have never happened.’ But, it was one of the nicest honors ever. It’s an honor I never thought would happen.”
Jack opened the Muirfield Village Golf Club in 1974 and founded the Memorial Tournament just two years later. Barbara, Jack said, has contributed to his success and provided support and guidance.
“This honor is so incredibly special to me, and I can’t thank the Captains Club enough for thinking of me,” Barbara said. “When the Captains Club gathered for their annual meeting and our longtime friend Charlie Mechem called in to relay the news, I was overcome with emotion and, honestly, speechless. The Memorial Tournament has held such a special place in our family’s life. It’s been wonderful to walk side-by-side with Jack and to watch his dream become our reality over the years. Looking back at the list of those who have been honored since 1976, I can’t express how humbled I am to join this elite group that I have looked up to and respected for so long.”
Together, the two started the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004, which has now raised more than $200 million toward enhancing healthcare for children.
Barbara was born in Columbus and graduated from North High School in 1957. She then went on to attend The Ohio State University to study nursing.
She met Jack during their first week on campus as freshmen, and they married in 1960. Together, they have five children, 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Barbara will be honored during a ceremony at Muirfield Village Golf Club on the eve of the first round of the 2025 Memorial Tournament.
