Living golf legend Jack Nicklaus was moved to tears as he revealed during CBS’s final round broadcast of the 2024 Memorial Tournament that his beloved wife, Barbara, will be the honoree for the 2025 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.
The emotional moment occurred on Sunday when Nicklaus, sitting alongside commentator Jim Nantz, struggled to announce the news. “I can’t get it out, Jim,” Nicklaus said, his voice breaking with emotion. “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.”
Nicklaus continued to express how fitting it was for Barbara to be honored at the 50th running of the Memorial Tournament, a sentiment shared by the tournament’s captains. “The captains felt like, you know, the 50th running of the Memorial, that it was fitting that Barbara be the honoree,” he said, tearing up. “I broke down and cried the other night, and I’m crying again now.”
Jim Nantz, sharing in the emotion of the moment, responded, “We understand. It’s absolutely the perfect choice. You were the honoree at the 25th edition.” He added poignantly, “There is no tournament without Barbara.”
Jack Nicklaus and Barbara were married in July 1960 and have since built a large and loving family, including five children—Jack, Steven, Nancy, Gary, and Michael—and 22 grandchildren. Barbara’s significant contributions to both the tournament and the Nicklaus family’s legacy were deeply felt in this touching announcement.
Watch the emotional clip here:
https://x.com/PGATOUR/status/1799919633064927310?t=FGLZ6oLkkuOkCVCeIu3Mjg&s=19