Renowned Golf Journalist Jeff Babineau Passes Away at 62
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The sports and golf communities are mourning the loss of a beloved figure in journalism. Jeff Babineau, a distinguished golf writer and former editor of Golfweek, passed away on Tuesday at his home in Florida at the age of 62. Babineau’s contributions to the world of golf journalism were profound,and his legacy will be remembered by colleagues,friends,and fans alike.
The Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA), where Babineau served as president from 2015 to 2017 and later as secretary, announced his passing on social media. GWAA President Gary D’Amato shared a heartfelt statement honoring Babineau’s life and career.
“Jeff was a superb writer and editor and was well-liked among our members and at Tour stops everywhere. He was a level-headed mentor to many of us, always swift with a smile and an encouraging word. Jeff cared deeply about golf journalism and about the GWAA.He covered more than 100 majors and 12 ryder Cups and wrote eloquently about them, but more importantly, he was a caring friend. We are going to miss him deeply.”
— Gary D’Amato, GWAA President
babineau’s career in golf journalism spanned decades, with his most notable role being at Golfweek. He joined the publication in 1998 as a writer and later became its editor in 2008, a position he held until 2014.After leaving Golfweek, Babineau continued to make an impact in the golf world through freelance work for organizations such as Augusta National, the PGA Tour, and the PGA of America.
His untimely death has left a void in the golf community, with many of his peers and colleagues taking to social media to pay tribute to his life and work.
“Absolutely heartbroken to hear of golf writer Jeff Babineau’s passing. What a gem of a human being. Always smiling and upbeat when we crossed paths at majors. RIP.”
— Ron kroichick, The San Francisco Chronicle
Todd Lewis of NBC’s Golf Channel also shared his condolences, highlighting Babineau’s kindness and impact on the golf media landscape.
“Thank you Babs for your incredible storytelling and more importantly, your kindness. The Media Center on Tour won’t be the same. Deepest condolences to The Babineau Family.”
— Todd Lewis, NBC’s Golf Channel
Babineau’s dedication to golf journalism and his warm personality made him a cherished figure in the industry. His passing is a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on a community,and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of sports journalists.
The GWAA has encouraged members of the golf and sports media communities to keep Babineau’s family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Jeff Babineau. Your contributions to golf journalism will never be forgotten.
Renowned Golf Journalist Jeff Babineau Remembered for His Impact on the Sport
The golf community is mourning the loss of Jeff Babineau, a beloved journalist known for his warm personality and exceptional storytelling. Babineau’s passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him, both within the media and among the players he covered.
“Sad to hear of the passing of Jeff Babineau, a fantastic golf writer. Jeff was a big teddy bear. if you were a fellow journalist, you wanted to hang with him. If you were a player, you were cozy with Jeff telling your story. He was the best among us,”
— Rich Lerner, PGA Tour play-by-play voice and Golf Channel anchor
Rich Lerner, a prominent voice in golf broadcasting, shared his heartfelt tribute to Babineau on social media. Lerner’s words capture the essence of Babineau’s character—a man who was not only respected for his work but also cherished for his kindness and camaraderie.
PGA Tour golfer Billy Horschel also paid his respects, highlighting Babineau’s professionalism and the respect he earned from players across the sport.
“Jeff was one of the great guys in the media. Even though I didn’t have a close relationship with him as 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,”
— Billy Horschel,PGA Tour golfer
Horschel’s tribute underscores the universal admiration Babineau garnered throughout his career. His ability to connect with both his fellow journalists and the athletes he covered made him a cornerstone of the golf media landscape.
Babineau’s legacy in the golf world is undeniable. His untimely passing has left a void,but his contributions and the memories he created will endure. As Lerner and Horschel’s tributes show, Babineau’s impact on the sport will not be forgotten.
for those who wish to honor Babineau’s memory, the golf Writers Association of America (GWAA) has shared a heartfelt message on social media, reflecting on his contributions to the industry.
Jeff Babineau’s life and work remind us of the power of storytelling and the importance of building genuine connections. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists and golf enthusiasts alike.
Remembering Jeff Babineau: A Legacy of Excellence in Golf Journalism
The golf and sports journalism communities are mourning the loss of Jeff Babineau, a distinguished golf writer and former editor of Golfweek. babineau’s career spanned decades, and his contributions to the world of golf journalism were profound. As we reflect on his life and work, we speak with a specialist guest who shares insights into Babineau’s impact on the industry and the legacy he leaves behind.
An Introduction to Jeff Babineau’s Career
senior Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the life and legacy of Jeff Babineau. To start, can you provide some background on his career and what made him such a respected figure in golf journalism?
Specialist Guest: Absolutely. Jeff Babineau was a cornerstone of golf journalism for over two decades. He joined Golfweek in 1998 as a writer and later became its editor in 2008. During his tenure,he covered more than 100 majors and 12 Ryder Cups,showcasing his deep knowledge and passion for the sport. What set him apart was his ability to tell compelling stories while maintaining a genuine connection with players, colleagues, and fans alike.
Babineau’s Role in the Golf Writers Association of America
Senior Editor: Babineau also had a important role within the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA). Can you elaborate on his contributions to the organization and how he influenced its direction?
Specialist Guest: Jeff served as GWAA president from 2015 to 2017 and later as secretary. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the organization through various challenges and opportunities. He was known for his level-headed approach, mentorship of younger journalists, and his commitment to preserving the integrity of golf journalism. His tenure left a lasting impact on the GWAA’s mission and values.
Tributes from Colleagues and Players
Senior editor: the outpouring of tributes from colleagues and players has been overwhelming.What do these messages reveal about the kind of person Jeff was,both professionally and personally?
Specialist guest: The tributes highlight Jeff’s kindness,professionalism,and the respect he earned from everyone in the golf community. PGA Tour golfer Billy Horschel, for instance, noted that he never heard an ill word about Jeff, which speaks volumes about his character. Colleagues like Gary D’Amato and Todd Lewis praised his storytelling abilities and his ability to uplift those around him. Jeff was not just a great journalist but also a caring freind and mentor.
The Legacy of jeff Babineau
Senior Editor: As we reflect on Jeff’s life, what do you think will be his lasting legacy in the world of golf journalism?
Specialist Guest: Jeff Babineau’s legacy is one of excellence, integrity, and connection. He set a standard for golf journalism that will inspire future generations. His ability to tell stories that resonated with fans, his mentorship of young journalists, and his unwavering dedication to the sport will be remembered for years to come. He truly embodied the spirit of golf journalism and will be deeply missed.
Final Thoughts
Senior Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights.Is there anything else you’d like to add about Jeff Babineau and the impact he had on the golf community?
Specialist Guest: I’d just like to emphasize that Jeff’s contributions went beyond his work as a journalist. He was a bridge between the media and the players, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.His passing is a tremendous loss, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the stories he told. Rest in peace,Jeff Babineau.
Senior Editor: Thank you for joining us today. Our thoughts are with Jeff’s family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
