This is a big year for the Nicklaus family. Well, when you’re the Greatest of All Time, have 18 major championships, had a successful 55 year marriage, head a booming design business, have 22 grandchildren and generally rule the golf world…every year is a god year.
But 2015 is an especially significant year for Jack and Barbara Nicklaus.
The USGA has chosen to honor both Jack and Barbara Nicklaus this year for their lifetime of contributions to the game. 
The most significant of the awards goes to Barbara as the USGA has named her the recipient of the 2015 Bob Jones Award.
From the USGA’s press release: Presented annually since 1955, the Bob Jones Award is the USGA’s highest honor. It recognizes an individual who demonstrates the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones, winner of nine USGA championships.
Barbara Nicklaus has been the de facto First Lady of Golf for decades. Not only did she guide her husband to become the best golfer ever and raise their children while dad was off dominating the golf world she was a force both inside and outside the PGA Tour.
Her willingness to council and help the wives and families of tour players is legendary and her charitable work has aided and launched multiple causes from hospitals to junior golf programs.
Mrs. Nicklaus was so much more than a tour wife. She was a model of decency, compassion and inspiration. The USGA couldn’t have found a more deserving recipient.
Jack isn’t left out of the ’15 Nicklaus celebration (he won the Jones Award in ’75) and the USGA is honoring him with an hour long documentary: Nicklaus: The Making of a Champion.
Jack turns 75 next week, has a great history with the USGA and values his relationship with the USGA.
The documentary will air on Fox on Jan.18, just before their coverage of the NFC Championship game.
From the USGA’s press release: “We’re proud to celebrate Jack’s legacy as the ‘Golden Bear’ approaches a milestone birthday,” said Thomas J. O’Toole Jr., USGA president. “His influence on golf can be seen in every player who followed him and every fan who enjoys playing and watching the game. This film tells the story of one of the game’s greats. It was our privilege to work with Ross Greenburg and Rolex to tell his story.”
The documentary chronicles the life, career and legacy of Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 professional major championships, including four U.S. Opens, tied for the most all-time. His eight USGA championships include two U.S. Amateurs and two U.S. Senior Opens.
This is the first year of the Fox-USGA partnership and for a golf geek like me it’s not a bad start. More Jack is always a good thing.
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