It was September 1957—the first weekend of the fall semester at Ohio State where Barbara Bash, 17, met Jack Nicklaus, a common friend. The young man with blond hair walked her down to the bacteriology building and didn’t forget to note down her number. That night, he called her. Nicklaus knew she was his soulmate, and sure, they were young, but Nicklaus made a promise when he gave Barbara his fraternity pin at the end of their sophomore year in 1959.

They then got engaged on Christmas Day, and the next July, they were married. That started their journey of growing together. Nicklaus could focus on his golf career because he knew Barbara was running the family, and that gave him the freedom and peace of mind he needed. As decades passed and they had five children and then 24 grandchildren, Nicklaus established a legendary career with his wife’s support. Hence, last year, when Gary Nicklaus, one of their children, suggested they consider “Mom” as the Honoree for the 2025 Memorial Tournament, Nicklaus admitted, “Gary, it hadn’t dawned on me.”

This was despite the fact that Barbara had been recognized by the PGA TOUR in 1990 (Ambassador of Golf Award—23 years before Jack Nicklaus received the honor), and the USGA also presented her with the Bob Jones Award in 2015. Four years later, she also received the Distinguished Service Award. So, during last year’s Captains Club meeting, Barbara was voted as the 50th Honoree for the Memorial.

During his interview with Jim Nantz in 2024, a teary-eyed Nicklaus began: “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.”

An understanding, Jim Nantz pointed out the coincidence that Jack received the honor at the 25th Memorial in 2000, while Barbara will be honored at the 50th event. She is the first non-golfer among 84 prior recipients. “There is no tournament without Barbara. There is no Jack Nicklaus—” Nantz went to say before being interrupted by Nicklaus. “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. And she’s been behind the scenes for everything that happens. It was a very emotional choice for me.” But what did Barbara have to say about it?

“This honor is so incredibly special to me, and I can’t thank the Captains Club enough for thinking of me,” Barbara Nicklaus said after learning about it. “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.”

After all, in 1974, Jack Nicklaus established Muirfield Village Golf Club and launched the Memorial Tournament in 1976, frequently noting that Barbara’s support and guidance made its success possible. This success has resulted in raising over $52 million for charities in central Ohio and beyond.

The legend of Barbara Nicklaus’s charities

Barbara Nicklaus has made remarkable contributions to charity, particularly through her work with the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband, Jack Nicklaus, in 2004. This foundation raised approximately $220 million to support children’s health initiatives, focusing on providing access to quality healthcare for children. It established numerous outpatient centers and urgent care facilities, significantly impacting the lives of many young patients.

Mrs. Nicklaus has closely associated herself with the Memorial Tournament, which has raised nearly $4 billion for charity since its inception. This tournament consistently contributes millions to various charitable organizations, with Nationwide Children’s Hospital as the primary beneficiary since the tournament’s first year. Her involvement has been crucial in driving the tournament’s philanthropic efforts, ensuring it remains a significant source of funding for children’s health.

In 2019, Barbara Nicklaus played a pivotal role in launching the Play Yellow campaign, which aims to unify the golf industry in raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This initiative exceeded its initial goal of raising $100 million in five years, achieving over $130 million to date, showcasing the power of collaboration in philanthropy.

Additionally, she inspired the formation of the PGA TOUR Wives Association in 1988, which has raised nearly $6 million for child-related charities and community initiatives.