Golf’s legendary couple honored for lifetime contributions to the game and a philanthropic legacy that has advanced children’s health care
Denver, Co. — The Robert Trent Jones Society has announced that Jack and Barbara Nicklaus are the recipients of the 2026 Society Legacy Award, recognizing their extraordinary lifetime contributions to golf, their enduring support for the game’s traditions and values, and their far-reaching commitment to philanthropy.
The Legacy Award was established in the name of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. to honor individuals whose lives and work have helped expand, strengthen, and elevate the game of golf. Jack Nicklaus, whose record 18 professional major championships and global design influence have shaped generations of players and courses, and Barbara Nicklaus, widely admired for her leadership, grace, and charitable impact, embody the spirit of the award.
“The Legacy Award was established in Mr. Jones’ name to honor individuals whose lifetime is committed to expanding the game we all love,” said David Leigh, President of the Robert Trent Jones Society. “It is with great pleasure that we honor Jack and Barbara Nicklaus for their countless contributions to the game, on and off the course. Jack’s accomplishments speak for themselves, and Barbara’s behind-the-scenes efforts have raised hundreds of millions for worthy causes. They are true champions in the game of life.”
In addition to the fundraising and economic impact associated annually in Central Ohio with the Memorial Tournament, Barbara and Jack created the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004, with over $250 million raised in less than 22 years for pediatric care. There are as many as 40 Nicklaus Children’s outpatient centers and urgent-care facilities spread across the state of Florida. In addition, Jack and Barbara have been the face of the “Play Yellow” movement in the game of golf, which has raised over $160 million for the 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across North America.
“The game of golf is a powerful vehicle for raising charitable dollars and making a true impact,” Barbara said. “When Jack and I were young parents, our 11-month-old daughter Nan ended up in intensive care at Columbus Children’s Hospital, now Nationwide Children’s. The doctors there saved her life. That was when Jack and I pledged that if we were ever in a position to give back and help others, we wanted it to be children. That is why Nationwide Children’s has been the beneficiary of the Memorial Tournament since year one in 1976. We have simply tried to spread that impact on children’s healthcare to the communities where we live, and beyond.
“Jack and I offer heartfelt thanks to the Robert Trent Jones Society for honoring us, and sending a message about the power this great game has to help families and change lives.”
In a video presentation attended by Society officers and Club Delegates, Jack and Barbara reflected on how they got involved in pediatric charities, reminisced about his experiences at Firestone and Barbara’s association with other tour wives.
Jack also spoke of the professional respect he has for RTJ Sr.
“Many golfers and designers of my vintage grew up playing on and appreciating the work of several architects from the late 1800s to early 1900s—such as Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, Seth Raynor and Charles Blair Macdonald,” Jack Nicklaus said. “It was Robert Trent Jones who provided the bridge from that era to modern golf course design. He was the forerunner and established himself all over the world with great, modern courses. Trent Jones helped grow the game around the country and globally. To be honored by the society bearing his name and furthering his legacy is very humbling and gratifying.
“I was fortunate to win on a few of Trent Jones’ courses, including some majors. There was Firestone and Baltusrol, where he did redesign work in the early 1960s.”
Although Jack and Barbara will forever be linked to the State of Ohio, they have been residents of Florida for over 60 years. Nicklaus said it was Trent Jones who helped in his golf transition to Florida, which led to a friendship with RTJ Sr. and his wife, Ione.
“Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale was Trent Jones’ Florida home, and it was one of the first courses I played when we moved to Florida,” Jack said. “Trent Jones was kind to give my father and me a membership there. That is where I first got to personally know Trent Jones. From that, Barbara and I became friends with Trent and Ione. We always enjoyed their company and cherished the time we spent with them.”
A video of the Nicklaus’ acceptance of the award and related remarks will be played at the Society’s annual meeting at Firestone Country Club in September and subsequently posted on the Society’s website.
The Robert Trent Jones Society preserves and promotes the legacy of Robert Trent Jones, Sr., whose design work helped define modern golf through iconic courses and redesigns, including Bellerive, Firestone, Hazeltine, and The Broadmoor.
The Society’s Legacy Award has previously honored individuals whose accomplishments and service have made a lasting contribution to golf, including Al Geiberger, Lee Trevino, Hollis Stacy, and Gary Player.
About the Robert Trent Jones Society
The Robert Trent Jones Society was created in 2004 and consists of 40 member clubs worldwide designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. The mission of the Society is to honor Robert Trent Jones Sr. and his work, to preserve the historical information and documents pertinent to the golf courses he designed, and to encourage and support the education of member clubs on the design principles of his courses. The Society holds an annual general meeting hosted at one of its member clubs. www.rtjsociety.com
Media Contacts
David Leigh, President
Robert Trent Jones Society
720-219-6784
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
908-963-6013
