Living golf legend Jack Nicklaus was reduced to tears on CBS during the final round broadcast of the 2024 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.

Living golf legend Jack Nicklaus was reduced to tears as he announced his beloved wife Barbara will be the honoree of the 2025 Memorial Tournament. 

Nicklaus made the announcement during Sunday’s final round broadcast on CBS alongside commentator Jim Nantz. 

“I can’t get it out Jim,” Nicklaus said through tears. 

“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 honoured Jack Nicklaus but Barbara Nicklaus has been right there with everything that’s happened. 

“And the captains felt like, you know, 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.” 

Nantz said: “We understand. It’s absolutely the perfect choice. You were the honoree at the 25th edition.” 

They have five children – Jack, Steven, Nancy, Gary, and Michael – and 22 grandchildren. 

The Memorial Tournament was founded in 1976 by Nicklaus and is played on the course he designed at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. 

Every year the tournament is themed around a person who has contributed to the game of golf. 

It was Nicklaus’ idea. 

The honoree is selected by the captains club, a group of statesmen who act independently of the tournament organization, but who also advise on player invitations and the conduct of the event.