“If your partner in life is also your best friend, it’s truly invaluable. I shudder to think about where I would be today, what I might have missed, how less fulfilling my life would have been were Barbara not with me every step of the way.” These were Jack Nicklaus’s words for his wife, Barbara Nicklaus, and as she celebrates her 85th birthday today, we can confidently say his feelings have not changed. Not everyone in life is as blessed as Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, as they have found each other to rely on. So, let’s look at the ways Barbara has added colors to Jack’s already beautiful life.

1. Barbara Nicklaus saved Jack from all the negative ‘stuff’

You know the saying “behind every great man is a great woman”? Well, that’s definitely true for golf legend Jack Nicklaus. His wife, Barbara, has been his rock, his confidante, and his protector from all the negativity that comes with being a superstar athlete. For 65 years, Barbara has been by Nicklaus’s side, shielding him from harsh criticism and keeping him focused on his game. She even used to intercept negative articles about him, tossing them in the trash before he could see them! Nicklaus has openly credited Barbara for keeping him in a positive headspace, saying, “I think it’s very, very difficult… social media makes the game more difficult for them.” 

 2. Barbara Nicklaus kept the family together

The list of Barbara Nicklaus’s contributions to her husband Jack’s life is endless. She’s the one who keeps him grounded, even mocking his gruffness because she knows the real Jack – a softie who chokes up talking about his wife and is wrapped around his daughter’s finger. As Jack’s daughter Nan jokingly says, “He’s just a big ol’ softie!” Jack himself has said, “My parents really liked Barbara… So it was, maybe we ought to get back together.” With a marriage spanning 65 years, Barbara has been Jack’s partner in every sense, and he credits her for helping him become the golf legend he is today.

3. Barbara Nicklaus’s constant on-course support for Jack

Barbara Nicklaus has been through Jack’s biggest moments, including his record 18 major wins. Astonishingly, she’s only missed two of those victories, and Jack has made it clear that he owes it all to her unwavering support and love. In fact, Jack has said that “because of her patience, love and support, combined with her intelligence and strength of character, Barbara has been a bigger contributor to my golf career than the world will ever know.” He’s even gone so far as to say that he “shudders to think about where I would be today” without her by his side.

Barbara’s presence has been so vital to Jack that he’s even admitted to knowing exactly where she is on the golf course, down to the way she walks – a level of awareness that left her stunned and feeling seen.

4. Barbara Nicklaus is also behind philanthropic ventures

Not only has Barbara Nicklaus been the rock behind her husband Jack’s illustrious golf career, but she’s also been the driving force behind his philanthropic ventures, co-founding the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation with him in 2004. Together, they’ve made a profound impact on children’s healthcare, raising millions of dollars and supporting various charities. Barbara’s passion and dedication have been instrumental in growing the foundation’s support, and her vision has led to significant milestones, including the rebranding of Miami Children’s Hospital to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Jack credits Barbara for being the “driving force” behind the foundation, saying, “All along, Barbara has been a wonderful wife… She sort of stayed in the background during my golf career, but when we started the foundation, I was done playing. So I said, ‘Maybe it’s my turn to be the supporter.'” Today, the Nicklauses’ philanthropic work continues to inspire, with Jack saying, “We want to make a difference… We’re making a difference in a lot of children’s lives.”

5. Jack Nicklaus says he “probably” wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for Barbara

Jack Nicklaus credits his wife Barbara for his successful career, saying “probably not” when asked if he could have achieved such incredible heights without her. With 65 years of marriage under their belt, the Nicklauses are a testament to the power of mutual trust, support, and respect. Jack praises Barbara’s “stabilizing influence” and impeccable judgment, revealing that she handled family matters with ease, never bothering him during tournaments and only sharing problems with him after he returned home. “Barbara is such a stabilizing influence, her judgment is so good, and she’s taken on such a load of being a parent,” Jack said, also acknowledging that she was an exceptional mother to their kids while he was a good father.

With Barbara by his side, Jack never had to choose between golf and family, thanks to her self-sufficiency and impeccable timing. What do you think makes a marriage successful, like the couple we just talked about? Let us know in the comment section below!