DUBLIN, Ohio – Barbara Nicklaus, renowned for her unwavering support of her husband, Jack Nicklaus, and her extensive charitable work, has been named the honoree for the 2025 Memorial Tournament, officials announced Sunday.
Known as the "First Lady of Golf" since receiving the inaugural PGA of America First Lady of Golf Award in 1998, Barbara has played a crucial role in Jack Nicklaus's Hall of Fame career and the creation of Muirfield Village Golf Club and the Memorial Tournament. She becomes the 84th individual honored by the tournament’s Captains Club, an event Jack Nicklaus initiated in 1976.
“Many people believe this tournament revolves around Jack Nicklaus. While he has been a significant part, it has always been a partnership with Barbara Nicklaus,” said Jack Nicklaus, who has 73 PGA Tour titles and a record 18 major championships. “Barbara has been the First Lady of Golf, earning numerous awards for her contributions to the sport. It’s fitting that on the 50th playing of the Memorial Tournament, Barbara is the one to be honored.
“I am delighted, happy, and proud of her,” he added. “She's done so much for so many, and for 50 years at Muirfield Village Golf Club, she has contributed immensely with little recognition. This honor is well-deserved, and when it was announced, tears filled my eyes.”
Born on February 28, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio, Barbara Jean Bash is the daughter of the late Stanley and Helen Bash of Clintonville, Ohio. After graduating from North High School in 1957, she attended Ohio State University to study nursing, where she met Jack Nicklaus. They married on July 23, 1960.
Barbara has been a constant support throughout Jack’s legendary golfing career and his successful second career as a golf course designer. She has also been deeply involved in philanthropy, serving as chair of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and co-founding Play Yellow, which has raised over $130 million for the Children’s Miracle Network of hospitals. The Memorial Tournament has raised more than $52 million for charitable causes in central Ohio and beyond, and Barbara was instrumental in founding the PGA Tour Wives Association in 1988, another fundraising effort.
“This honor is incredibly special to me, and I can’t thank the Captains Club enough,” Barbara Nicklaus said. “When Charlie Mechem called to relay the news, I was overwhelmed and speechless. The Memorial Tournament has been a significant part of our family’s life, and it’s been wonderful to see Jack’s dream become our reality. To join the list of past honorees is truly humbling.”
Barbara Nicklaus’s numerous accolades include the USGA’s Bob Jones Award in 2015 and the PGA of America Distinguished Service Award in 2019. Jack received these awards in 1975 and 2000, respectively. The Nicklauses have also been named Family of the Year in the world of golf twice. They have five children—Jack II, Steve, Nan, Gary, and Michael—24 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Barbara Nicklaus will be honored at Muirfield Village during a ceremony next year on the eve of the 50th Memorial Tournament. Jack Nicklaus was the honoree in 2000.
BARBARA NICKLAUS HONORS AND AWARDS
- 1990 PGA Tour Ambassador of Golf Award
- 1995-96 Captain of Muirfield Village Golf Club
- 1998 PGA of America First Lady of Golf (inaugural recipient)
- 2000 Winnie Palmer Award, presented by the Met Golf Writers Association (inaugural recipient)
- 2007 African American Golfers Hall of Fame Humanitarian Award
- 2015 USGA Bob Jones Award
- 2019 PGA of America Distinguished Service Award
- 2021 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame
- 2022 Governor’s Medal of Freedom, the highest honor in the State of Florida
- 2025 The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday Honoree
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