In December 2024, Jeff Babineau‘s sudden demise at the age of 62 left everyone in tears. The journalist had an illustrious career for decades, with leading stories and interviews from the major stars of the golf world. Even days after his passing, many professionals have stepped in to pay respect to the distinguished individual.
During the final rituals, many golfers paid tribute to the legendary golf writer by signing on a photo frame of the journalist which was presented to his wife. Bernhard Langer, who has been covered widely by the writer, was also among the names who signed the frame and paid tribute. Even Billy Horschel about the sad news wrote, “Jeff was one of the great guys in the media. Even though I didn’t have a close relationship with him like some other players and people in the golf world, I respected Jeff for his work and I’ve never heard a player say an ill word about Jeff. He was a great professional. Prayers to his family! .” The great impact the writer has left on the world is immense. His career with more than 100 major and 12 Ryder Cup coverages is a feat that is still unmatched.
Fast forward to 3 months, his memories and presence in golf journalism remain acknowledged. The ongoing Valspar Championship, which has been in the news for the mysterious player withdrawals, has paid tribute to the journalist through their media room.
Remembering Jeff Babineau in Valspar Championship media room. He will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/cFDGEKKR9X
— Pat Eastman (@PatEastman8) March 21, 2025
Pat Eastman has shared a post on X writing, “Remembering Jeff Babineau in Valspar Championship media room. He will never be forgotten.” The post even had a photo of the table in the media room having Jeff Babineau’s name tag, the Valspar Championship pot, and a framed photo of the journalist to pay tribute. Even Beth Ann Nicola, Senior Writer at GolfWeek has commented with an emoji paying respect, “.”
In the moment of remembrance, let’s look back to the notable career of Jeff Babineau
Jeff Babineau’s career
People widely knew Babineau as ‘Babs.’ He graduated from Florida Southern College in 1984 and soon started as a journalist at the Orlando Sentinel in 1986. Apart from golf, he covered the NFL, NHL, and other college sports. 12 years of serving for multi-sports, Babs then moved to Golfweek in 1998 as a senior writer and deputy editor. He continued until 2017 with multiple roles like editor, then again switched back to writing, but his passion for covering golf remained constant. For which, even after his demise, the entire golf world remembers him.
Eventually, he switched to freelance writing after parting ways with Golfweek. His voice, which reached many, was then joined with Augusta National, the PGA Tour, and the PGA of America, along with others for freelance writing projects. With more than 3 decades in the industry, he is one of the most popular writers. Even with his presence at more than 100 major and 12 Ryder Cups, conducting exclusive interviews with the top players. There isn’t any golfer who wouldn’t know Babs.
Even though Babs has left the world, his heart-touching journalistic approach to writing will always be remembered. His legacy was honored further as he was the recipient of the 2025 Tim Rosaforte Distinguished Journalist Award, truly an icon that the golf world will miss.
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