The 2024 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club will be seeing a sea of yellow heading into the final round on Sunday. This initiative is part of the PGA Tour and Children’s Miracle Network campaign to raise $100 million for CMN hospitals, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, over the next five years to fund pediatric care for millions of children. Inspired by tournament founder Jack Nicklaus, who wore yellow shirts in the final round of tournaments, the “Play Yellow” idea aims to honor those who have fought and continue to fight illness.
Jack Nicklaus began wearing yellow in honor of Craig Smith, the son of a close friend who battled bone cancer and tragically passed away at the young age of 13 in 1971. This initiative has since been embraced and expanded upon by Nicklaus and his wife Barbara, who have announced Rickie Fowler as a new Play Yellow ambassador. Through Play Yellow, the golf community comes together to support the 10 million children treated at local children’s hospitals each year, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
The Play Yellow campaign invites Memorial Tournament fans and players to participate in a number of ways. One way to join in is by wearing yellow for Sunday’s final round, showing solidarity and support for pediatric patients. Additionally, supporters can purchase special AHEAD brand or Nicklaus merchandise in the golf shop, with proceeds going towards the fundraising efforts. Donations can also be made at concession stands or within the golf shop, with all contributions being allocated to various initiatives within Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
For those unable to attend the Memorial Tournament in person, donations to the Play Yellow campaign can also be made online at playyellow.org. By contributing to this cause, individuals can make a tangible impact on the lives of children in need of medical care. Every donation, no matter the size, helps to support vital programs and services for pediatric patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and other CMN hospitals across the country.
As Play Yellow gains momentum and visibility within the golf community, the hope is to raise awareness and funds for pediatric healthcare on a national scale. By uniting around this important cause, golf fans, players, and supporters can make a lasting difference in the lives of children facing illness and injury. The legacy of Jack Nicklaus and his commitment to philanthropy continues to inspire others to give back and support those in need, embodying the spirit of giving that defines the game of golf. Together, the golf world can play yellow and make a real difference for children in hospitals across the country.
