Every golfer joins the industry with a dream of their own, for some it is to become a permanent member of the PGA Tour or winning majors, but only a few dare to dream about the Jack Nicklaus Award. This award is a big deal as it honors the best college golfer of the year in various divisions, including NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. It’s given to the most outstanding golfer in these divisions, and it shows the hard work and dedication these athletes put into golf.

The award was created in 1988 by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, who knows what it takes to be great. As a champion golfer himself, Nicklaus set the bar high for future generations of golfers. Today, the Jack Nicklaus Award continues to inspire and recognize the best of the best in collegiate golf. The PGA TOUR has announced the nominees for the Jack Nicklaus Award aka Player of the Year for the 2024 season. The nominees were finalized by the PGA TOUR Player Directors and members of the Player Advisory Council (PAC). For the Jack Nicklaus Award, three players have been nominated: Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Scottie Scheffler.

These talented golfers have had an impressive 2024 season, with numerous wins and top-10 finishes. McIlroy, 35, from Northern Ireland, had two wins and seven top-10s, finishing ninth in the FedExCup. Schauffele, 31, from California, also had two wins, including his first major championship title at the PGA Championship, and finished fourth in the FedExCup. Scheffler, 28, from Texas, had a remarkable seven wins, including two major championships, and finished first in the FedExCup.

Scheffler’s impressive season also earned him the Byron Nelson Award for low Scoring Average (68.645), and he was the winner of the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The winner of the Jack Nicklaus Award will be determined by a member vote, with PGA TOUR members who played in at least 15 events during the 2024 season eligible to vote. The voting will close on December 4, and the winner will be announced by the end of the year. The PGA TOUR has also announced the nominees for the Arnold Palmer Award (Rookie of the Year), which will be awarded to one of four talented young golfers: Nick Dunlap, Max Greyserman, Jake Knapp, and Matthieu Pavon.

In addition to the Player of the Year award, the PGA TOUR has also announced the nominees for the Arnold Palmer Award aka Rookie of the Year.

Nominees for the Arnold Palmer Award

The nominees for the Arnold Palmer Award have been announced, and four talented young golfers are in the running. Nick Dunlap, 20, from Alabama, made history by becoming the first player to win as an amateur and a professional in the same season. Max Greyserman, 29, from New Jersey, had a strong rookie season with three runner-up finishes and several top-10s. Jake Knapp, 30, from Arizona, won the Mexico Open at Vidanta and recorded several top-10 finishes. Matthieu Pavon, 32, from France, won the Farmers Insurance Open and was the only rookie to qualify for the TOUR Championship.

These four golfers have made a significant impact on the PGA TOUR during their rookie season, and the award recognizes their outstanding performance. The voting for the Arnold Palmer Award, along with the Jack Nicklaus Award (Player of the Year), will close on Wednesday, December 4, at 5 p.m. ET, and the winners will be announced by the end of the year. The nominees’ impressive performances have earned them a spot among the top rookies of the 2024 season, and the award will be a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport.