Barbara Nicklaus, the wife of "The Golden Bear" Jack Nicklaus, has been chosen to be the recipient of the U.S. Golf Association's 2015 Bob Jones Award.
This honor now makes Barbara and Jack Nicklaus the first couple to receive the award individually. Jack Nicklaus, winner over 18 career major championships, overtook Bobby Jones record of 13 majors and was named the 1975 Bob Jones Award honoree 40 years ago.
"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," explains PGA.
Often heralded as the "First Lady of Gold," Barbara Nicklaus utilized her husband's fame as one of the best professional golfers of all time to raise awareness for various children's charities. A hardworking and passionate volunteers, Nicklaus serves as the chairman of the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, a pediatric health care organization which provides funding for research, projects, and services in the prevention of childhood illnesses and disorders. In addition, the Barbara and Jack Nicklaus Junior Golf Endowment Fund provides support for junior golf programs across the United States for children who may not have access to the resources and opportunities of the game.
A mother of five, Nicklaus has also been regarded as "the greatest influence on [Jack] Nicklaus' career," according to the Associated Press.
"Wow! What a truly humbling honor!" Barbara Nicklaus recalled in a press release.
"The USGA has been a part of our lives since Jack and I were teenagers, and we have always respected and appreciated their contributions and impact on the great game of golf. To receive this honor from them, one that bears the name of a man who had such a deep impact on our family, is one of the most meaningful recognitions I have been blessed to receive," she continued.
Although the official announcement has been made, the "First Lady of Golf" will not be presented with the Bob Jones Award until the U.S. open later in 2015. The physical award will be bestowed upon her at Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington.
