The Memorial Tournament, Presented by Nationwide
Who We Are: Jack and Barbara Nicklaus ensured charitable giving was a founding principle of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide when they created this PGA TOUR event in 1976. We have continued this philanthropic vision for the past 46 years and counting, eclipsing $35 million in donations to central Ohio charities. Through an alliance with the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, more than $22.7 million of those funds have been donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital as our primary beneficiary .The Tournament’s specialized focus is raising dollars for the Memorial Tournament Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)to help care for the tiniest of babies, but each year we also provide vital funding to the hospital’s identified areas of most need.
What We Do: Utilizing the Tournament’s global sports platform, each year we promote awareness of children’s healthcare and implement various initiatives to raise critical dollars for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Our annual efforts begin with the Volunteer of the Year campaign, highlighting volunteerism which results in donations to the Hospital. Fundraising events include: the Legends Luncheon featuring Jack Nicklaus and a fellow golf legend along with the presentation of the NicklausYouth Spirit Award; a benefit concert headlined by a national recording artist; and the FORE! Miler run/walk. Bears for Nationwide Children’s is our yearly grassroots campaign offering a plush bear for sale or donation. The culmination of the season’s efforts is the charitable messaging shared duringTournament broadcast coverage on CBS and GOLF Channel– highlighting Hospital care, expertise and research along withPatient Champion stories and Nationwide’s collaborative efforts on behalf of the Hospital.
Why We’re Important: A genuine philanthropic vision is at the heart of all we do. Our founder and host, Jack Nicklaus, established the Memorial Tournament to bring world-class professional golf to his hometown. Jack and Barbara Nicklaus also knew if they were ever in a position to give back, it would be to help children. What was then Columbus Children’s Hospital, ultimately became their focus after their daughter, Nan, was treated for lung complications from swallowing a crayon. Even before the first ball was struck at the Memorial, a pro-am was established to start fundraising efforts and our initiatives have evolved and grown since. We are steadfast in our priority to give back.
How We Impact the Community: Each year we work with Nationwide Children’s to distribute funds based on needs within the Memorial Tournament NICU and various hospital departments. Our dollars have lent support to: “Sounds of Love” parent/baby audio program; helping loved ones visit babies virtually through NICVIEW; supporting programming focused on weaning newborn drug dependency; assisting the hospital in bringing public access defibrillators to schools; providing resources to adapt toys for children with special needs; funding to continue therapy services for physically or sexually abused children; contributing to a therapy rooftop playground renovation; and securing proper equipment for theTransport Team to care for patients via mobile ICU, helicopter or jet aircraft. It was said best by our founder, “Helping a child is far more important than a four-foot putt.”
How You Can Help: There are many ways to be involved with the Memorial and our philanthropic efforts. Join our volunteer force, knowing that each hour worked by a volunteer results in a donation to Nationwide Children’s. Support our fundraising events by purchasing a table to theLegends Luncheon, tickets to the annual benefit concert, or run/walk in our FORE! Miler. Make a cash donation toNationwide Children’s when you purchase your tickets to the Tournament or look for our limited-edition plush bear to purchase or donate to a child at the Hospital. It is our goal to provide opportunities beyond Tournament week to unite as a community to support children’s healthcare and well-being.
Connect with the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide
5770 Memorial Drive
Dublin, OH 43017
614-889-6700
Executive Director: Dan Sullivan
