Teary Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus Honours Wife Barbara
Golf icon Jack Nicklaus was moved to tears as he announced during CBS’s broadcast of the 2024 Memorial Tournament that his wife, Barbara Nicklaus, will be the honoree for the 2025 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village. Nicklaus, sitting with commentator Jim Nantz during Sunday’s final round, struggled to express his emotions. “I can’t get it…
Golf icon Jack Nicklaus was moved to tears as he announced during CBS’s broadcast of the 2024 Memorial Tournament that his wife, Barbara Nicklaus, will be the honoree for the 2025 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.
Nicklaus, sitting with commentator Jim Nantz during Sunday’s final round, struggled to express his emotions. “I can’t get it out, Jim,” Nicklaus said, his voice breaking. “It’s Barbara Nicklaus. It’s hard for me to get out. I’m sorry, but, you know, Barbara has meant so much to this tournament. Everybody’s honored Jack Nicklaus, but Barbara Nicklaus has been right there with everything that’s happened.”
He went on to emphasize the significant role Barbara has played in the tournament over the years, and how fitting it was for her to be honored during the 50th edition of the Memorial Tournament. “The captains felt like, you know, the 50th running of the Memorial, that it was fitting that Barbara be the honoree,” Nicklaus said through tears. “I broke down and cried the other night, and I’m crying again now.”
Jim Nantz, understanding the depth of Nicklaus’s emotions, replied, “We understand. It’s absolutely the perfect choice. You were the honoree at the 25th edition.” He added, “There is no tournament without Barbara.”
Jack and Barbara Nicklaus were married in July 1960, and together they have five children—Jack, Steven, Nancy, Gary, and Michael—and 22 grandchildren. Barbara’s unwavering support and contributions to the tournament and the Nicklaus family have been immense, making this honor richly deserved and deeply emotional for Jack.
Watch the heartwarming moment here:
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