DUBLIN, Ohio—The Memorial started in 1976 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this week. The pro golf event is marked annually on the calendar by both players and viewers, and the reason for that ascension is two specific and connected words—Jack Nicklaus.
When the 85-year-old was in the early stages of his pro golf career, he marveled at how Bob Joes, his boyhood idol, had put into motion the creation of Augusta National Golf Club and from that, came into being The Masters.
Nicklaus envisioned a golf event no less in stature than the one played at Augusta, and he wanted the event to highlight his Buckeye heritage, given his deep personal roots in his hometown.
Eventually, specific land was found north of Columbus in the quiet but soon to develop community of Dublin.
Nicklaus had to find a name for the course and, when he won the 1966 Open Championship at Muirfield to complete the career Grand Slam at the then-record age of 26, he opted to honor that significant triumph by calling his course “Muirfield Village.”
One of the key ingredients for the success of the event has been its placement on the golf calendar. Nicklaus has always had a deep and abiding respect for the men and women who serve and have served in the military. The Memorial was smartly placed to follow the traditional U.S. Memorial Day holiday, honoring individuals who lost their lives in combat through the years.
The specific placement has been advantageous as it provides players one last key opportunity to be ready for the U.S. Open, which is usually played two weeks after The Memorial.
Nicklaus did something at The Memorial that Jones was never able to do with the Masters. Jack won his own event twice—in its second year in existence in 1977 and then again in 1984.
In the years to follow, a number of key players would place themselves in the winner’s position. Tiger Woods won the Memorial a record five times, and the defending champion this week is the world-ranked number one player, Scottie Scheffler.
‘First Lady in Golf’
During his long and accomplished career, one person has been with Jack throughout—his wife Barbara. Nicklaus himself has admitted the best words he ever uttered were when he said “I do” in marrying the former Barbara Jean Bash.The duo first met at Ohio State University, which they both attended in 1957, and have been married for nearly 65 years. The couple has five children, 23 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
Barbara Nicklaus has often been referred to as the “First Lady in Golf” because of her involvement and support of her husband’s career and charitable endeavors. It was Jack’s idea to create the Memorial, but Barbara has been an equal contributor in a range of areas, ensuring that her husband’s vision for the event was always player-focused and fan-centered.
Each year, the Memorial honors specific individuals who have made a significant contribution to the sport of golf.
Jack was honored in 2000, and now, the circle will be complete as Barbara is duly honored this year. Her selection marks the first time a non-golfer has been so honored for inclusion. In years prior, Barbara had been selected for such prestigious awards as the 2015 Bob Jones recipient from the USGA and 2019 for the Distinguished Service Award from the PGA of America.
The Memorial features a $20 million purse and is the second-to-last “signature” event played on the PGA Tour this year.
That status provides for a limited field of 72 players. The current Masters champion Rory McIlroy will not be competing, and his absence “surprised” Nicklaus himself, as he stated as much from Tuesday’s press conference.
After 36 holes, the field will be reduced to the top 50 players and ties, along with anyone within 10 shots of the lead. Those failing to make the cut will not participate in the final two rounds.
This means that after the second round (36 holes), the field will be reduced to the top 50 players and ties, along with anyone within 10 shots of the lead. Those who don’t make the cut won’t participate in the final two rounds.
The winner of the event is met by both Jack and Barbara, who await greenside at the 18th.
Tournament Highlights
1976: Roger Maltbie won the inaugural Memorial, defeating Hale Irwin in a four-hole aggregate playoff. On the third extra hole, Maltbie’s approach shot appeared headed for the gallery when it hit a post, deflecting the ball onto the green, where both parred to remain tied. Maltbie then birdied the 18th to win the playoff.
