Jeff Babineau, a beloved golf writer and former editor of Golfweek, passed away at the age of 62 at his home in Oviedo, Florida. Babineau had an extensive list of friends and contacts within the sport of golf and his work spanned decades, covering major championships on both the men’s and women’s tours, as well as 12 Ryder Cups. He was known as “Babs” and was a well-known voice in media rooms across the industry.
Babineau served as the president of the Golf Writers Association of America from 2015 to 2017 and continued to serve as its secretary. He worked as a freelance writer for organizations such as Augusta National, the PGA Tour, and the PGA of America, as well as serving on the board of directors for Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization that supports children who have lost a military parent. Babineau’s passion for writing led him to win many awards over the years.
After graduating from Florida Southern College in 1984, Babineau began his journalism career at the Orlando Sentinel in 1986, covering golf, the NFL, NHL, and college sports. He later joined Golfweek in 1998, eventually becoming the editor in 2008. Babineau left his editor role in 2014 to focus on writing and began freelancing in 2017. During his time at Golfweek, he was a mentor to many in the industry.
Adam Schupak, a senior writer at Golfweek who worked alongside Babineau, remembers him as a mentor and friend who had a unique ability to ask the right questions and write with empathy and humor. Babineau is survived by his wife, Jane, and three sons: Keith, Derek, and Luke. Details of any services will be shared when available.
Overall, Jeff Babineau will be remembered as a respected and talented golf writer who made a lasting impact on the sport through his work. His legacy lives on through the many journalists and writers he influenced and mentored throughout his career. Babineau’s contributions to the sport of golf will not be forgotten, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
