Nicklauses will receive Ouimet honor
Separately, they have been honored by golf organizations throughout the country.
This time, Jack and Barbara Nicklaus will take the spotlight together in Boston to accept accolades for the unselfish teamwork that has defined their lives.
"They have been the model of family life in the world of megasports," said Ted Highberger, president of the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, which will honor the Nicklauses for lifelong contributions to golf. The 58th annual banquet will be May 14 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
While the achievements of Jack Nicklaus are the stuff of legend, less heralded -- but perhaps more remarkable -- is the life of Barbara, his college sweetheart and wife of 47 years. As her husband stockpiled PGA Tour victories and 18 major conquests, Barbara Nicklaus quietly went about her charitable causes. STOP! Children's Cancer of Palm Beach County and the Center for Family Services Board near her North Palm Beach, Fla., home are two of many. She also serves as Chair of the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation and it's been estimated that her efforts have helped raise more than $12 million for charity.
Twice, Jack and Barbara Nicklaus have been named "Golf Family of the Year," by the National Golf Foundation, and the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association. While Jack Nicklaus, 67, has been cited individually by a number of golf organizations, Barbara was also recognized individually by the PGA of America and the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association.
The Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf, however, will be unique. And what should make the evening even more special for them will be the presence of two of their longtime friends, Charlie Mechem and John Hines.
Mechem, a former LPGA Tour commissioner, has agreed to serve as master of ceremonies. Hines, a Boston native who worked for years with Nicklaus in various ventures, will be there to be part of a special presentation. A permanently endowed scholarship has been created in memory of his wife, Ellen, a Regis College graduate who taught school in the Boston area.
The Nicklauses will be the latest names on an impressive list of winners of this prestigious Ouimet honor, starting with Arnold Palmer in 1997. Gene Sarazen, Curtis Strange, Greg Norman, Nancy Lopez, and President George H.W. Bush are other past honorees.
Also that evening, the Ouimet Scholarship Fund will honor Tom Martin with its Richard F. Connolly Award for distinguished service.
Tickets and sponsorships are available by calling 774-430-9090 or go to ouimet.org. 