What Is the Jack Nicklaus Led ‘Play Yellow’ Initiative? The $100M Fundraising Movement Explored

Players at the 2024 Cognizant Classic were spotted wearing yellow ribbons, supporting the “Play Yellow” initiative during the final round. The fans were also encouraged to wear yellow and support the cause by posting on social media. This charity program is being led by Jack Nicklaus and his wife and Barbara in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the PGA Tour. The program helps with raising money for children’s health and was started back in 2019. Approximately $100 million has been raised so far with the “Play Yellow” initiative. 

The initiative is simple yet quite revolutionary: to raise unrestricted funds for member hospitals of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The power of golf is harnessed to raise fund and awareness by collaborating with local courses, golf pros, celebrities, and pediatric ambassadors, children’s hospitals such as Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena, MT. However, the partnership with the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation has been the backbone of this charity program. 

The PGA of America golf pros are teaming up across the nation for a unique fundraising play format. It involves playing 72 consecutive holes and raising money for each birdie they score. Leading by example of top players in the game like Rory McIlroy, Peter Malnati, and other top players, the impact of Play Yellow extends far beyond the golf course.

Other entities such as Roger Clemens, Michael Waltrip, and Kevin Millar also support the noble cause. They are the Play Yellow Ambassadors for national and local fundraising efforts that tie golf to good through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  The curiosity that arises after looking at it is: What was the motivation behind taking this step and naming it “Play Yellow”?

Why the color yellow?

The Golden Bear was touched after a young child named Craig Smith, also close to his family, was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer back in 1968. Craig had a liking for the color ‘Yellow’, which worked as a lucky charm for him and his grandfather during golf games. For this reason, Nicklaus started wearing yellow outfits on Sundays so Craig could watch him on TV as he played.

Read more: The Beautiful Tradition Behind PGA Tour Players Wearing Yellow Ribbons at Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament

The PGA Tour has also been one of the biggest supporters of “Play Yellow” since the 2019 Memorial Tournament, with players either wearing a yellow outfit or a yellow ribbon. The PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan expressed his pride in being associated with the organization. Monahan said, “The PGA Tour is excited to join them and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to engage the entire golf world in impacting even more lives with a unique, new initiative.”

As more people join this inspiring movement, the momentum continues to grow. Let us know your thoughts on this initiative in the comments below.

Read more: Why Are LIV Golf Rebels and Other Golf Pros Wearing Yellow At the 2023 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship?