How Did Jack Nicklaus & Wife Barbara Meet? Digging Deep Inside 18-Time Major Winner’s Love Life

Among the rare marriages that stand as examples of hope, support, and compatibility is that of Jack Nicklaus and Barbara Bash. The greatest golfer who achieved 18 majors and 117 professional wins found his soulmate during the early years. And since then, she has stood as his strongest support system. Even now, after spending 6 decades with Jack, she continues to inspire him in new ways.

It wasn’t just love at first sight; their relationship had its ups and downs before they made it to the altar three years after they first met. Here is everything about the couple’s love life that you need to know.

The journey from the first meeting to the final vow

Barbara Bash and Jack Nicklaus both went to Ohio State University in September 1957, and that is when the two met for the first time. But interestingly, the golfer was dating Barbara’s friend Mary. However, when the duo met for the first time, he “was immediately smitten,” as per the Nicklaus Foundation website. Later, Nicklaus asked her out over a call, and their love story began.

However, it took a few weeks for the two to get together, as Barbara could not make time for Jack. But in the meantime, she did set him up with other girls that she knew he would not like. Later, the two again started dating when insisted on by Jack’s parents, and that’s when they became inseparable. Despite having very little similarity, the about-to-be pro golfer and the nursing student (Barbara Bash) started their journey and, after three years, announced their engagement around Christmas 1959.

In 1960, the couple chose to have their wedding on the same Saturday as the PGA Championship. Being an amateur at that time, he planned to play and get married on the same day. Well, as planned, the golfer, caddie, and Bash were walking together on the fairways the entire day in the rain during the rounds. Even the duo dined at Sardi’s, went shoe shopping, and showcased a blend of romance and passion for golf.

Building family and legacy together

After 14 months of their marriage, the pair welcomed their first child, Jack William Nicklaus II. The family later grew as they had five children: Jack Jr. (1961), Steve (1963), Nancy (1965), Gary (1969), and Michael (1973). But the best bit? The golfer always maintained close ties with his children. All thanks to the promise he made of never being away from home for more than two weeks. Acknowledging the same, Jack Jr. said, “Always felt like we were their number one priority.”

And in turn, Nicklaus has publicly acknowledged his gratitude to Barbara and family. Take the example of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2015, where he thanked his wife and family for making him who he was and shared his biggest goal of making his family proud. Now, 65 years after the marriage in 2025, the Nicklaus family has continued to build with 24 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Enduring support and partnership

Well, the partnership that began 65 years ago has been a cornerstone for the Nicklaus family, be it for personal life or for professional life. Recently, in 2025, Barbara Nicklaus became the first woman and first non-golfer ever named as a tournament honoree. She was the 50th honoree announced by his partner, Jack, who was filled with emotions. He praised her, saying, “Every place that you might see me, see what I’ve tried to do at Muirfield Village and the Memorial Tournament and everything in my career, you should see her, too.”

Even last year in 2024, he, during a live television broadcast, remarked misty-eyed, “I can’t get it out, Jim. It’s Barbara Nicklaus. 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 exemplary support from both, despite having different interests, is rare. But Jack Nicklaus and Barbara Nicklaus have set an example for the entire family and the community with their support. Did you know about the golfer and his wife’s background? What are your thoughts about his life? Share with us in the comments below.