Emotional Moment at Memorial Tournament: Jack Nicklaus Honors His Wife, Barbara Nicklaus

Emotional Moment at Memorial Tournament: Jack Nicklaus Honors His Wife, Barbara Nicklaus

In a poignant and heartfelt announcement during the final round of the 2024 Memorial Tournament, Jack Nicklaus revealed that the honoree for the 2025 event would be none other than his wife, Barbara Nicklaus. This upcoming Memorial Tournament, marking its 50th edition, will pay tribute to Barbara for her immense contributions to the game of golf and her unwavering support behind the scenes.

A Moment of Overwhelming Emotion

During his annual visit to the CBS broadcast booth, Jack Nicklaus was given the floor by Jim Nantz to share the news. As Nicklaus began to speak, he found himself choked up with emotion. “I can’t get it out, Jim,” he said, before mustering the strength to announce, “It’s Barbara Nicklaus.” The production crew behind the booth cameras broke into applause and cheers, an uncommon yet deeply moving reaction in television production, signifying the significance of the announcement.

The Legacy of Barbara Nicklaus

“Barbara has meant so much to this tournament,” Jack expressed, his voice heavy with emotion. “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, it was fitting that Barbara be the honoree. I broke down and cried the other night and I’m crying again now.”

Since its inception in 1976, the Memorial Tournament has been selecting individuals to honor for their contributions to golf, a tradition initiated by Jack Nicklaus to celebrate the game’s greatest figures. Members of the Captains Club, including former PGA Tour pros like Tom Watson and Gary Player, major figures in the golf world such as Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley, and even Barbara herself, partake in this selection process. This year, the honorees were Juli Inkster and Tom Weiskopf.

A Special Honor for a Special Anniversary

Barbara Nicklaus stands out as one of the few honorees who did not play professional or elite amateur golf, making her recognition even more special. Nantz noted the serendipity of Jack being the honoree at the 25th Memorial in 2000 and Barbara now being honored at the 50th. “There is no tournament without Barbara. There is no Jack Nicklaus—” Nantz began before Jack cut him off, emphasizing her crucial role.

“She’s been honored by so many people. By the USGA. By the PGA of America. Ambassador to golf. So many things, but not here at Muirfield,” Jack said. “And she’s been behind the scenes for everything that happens. It was a very emotional choice for me.”