‘It’s My Turn’: Jack Nicklaus Repaid His Wife Barbara for Being His Backbone in Creating a Spectacular Career, The Golf Legend Revealed in 2016

Published 02/05/2023, 12:57 PM EST

Jack Nicklaus is a name that resonates with every golf fanatic’s ears. The ex-pro golfer has also seen success post-golf days in his business and his foundation. But what many don’t know is that the golf legend’s wife played a huge role in all of this. 120 tournament victories and 18 majors later, the PGA Tour star once revealed how he planned to pay his wife back for her “support.”

The golden bear has been with his wife for over 62 years. He is also undoubtedly devoted to his huge family, and is now creating a legacy for them all.

Jack Nicklaus opens up about his wife’s support

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In 2005, the ex-golf pro announced his exit from the sport. As for what came next for the legend, it was something he had begun a year before. Barbara and he founded the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004. Through it, the pair hoped to reach out to the children in need and help them in any possible way.

The foundation was Barbara’s dream. Since it was set up, she was the one driving its growth. But after the golden bear finished his time on the PGA Tour, he decided to stand by his wife. “All along, Barbara has been a wonderful wife,” he stated in the Children’s National Blog in 2016. “Maybe it’s my turn to be the supporter.”

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The 18-time major winner explained that he wanted to help his wife pursue her dream just like she had for him. “She sort of stayed in the background during my golf career,” said the ex-pro golfer, describing how his wife would act as the “support team” and take care of their kids while he travelled for tournaments. “But when we started the foundation, I was done playing.”

The couple enjoys giving back to society

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The foundation had grown rapidly since they had started it. But the big-hearted couple weren’t fazed by how fast things were moving. “We started to raise funds and give grants to hospitals,” describing how they started out. Within those moments of charity, the duo found a purpose.

“All of a sudden, it became something we both fully dedicated ourselves too,” said the 73-time PGA Tour victor. “It’s fun, worthwhile, and we feel good about helping.” Nicklaus seemed to find the same passion for golf in his contributions. And he owed it all to his wife, Barbara.

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What do you think about the work the two are doing for the children? Does it inspire you as well? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Sheldon is a golf writer at EssentiallySports. He is a business graduate from Christ University with a degree in Finance and Accounting. He also has experience as a Senior Audit Associate at an MNC, but his love for writing drove him towards his dream, and he switched careers.

Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui

‘It’s My Turn’: Jack Nicklaus Repaid His Wife Barbara for Being His Backbone in Creating a Spectacular Career, The Golf Legend Revealed in 2016

Jack Nicklaus opens up about his wife’s support

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The couple enjoys giving back to society