What’s the story behind the yellow ribbons worn by golfers during major tournaments? Is it a fashion statement or something far more meaningful? For viewers unfamiliar with the gesture, it might seem like a minor accessory.
But in truth, the yellow ribbon is a symbol steeped in personal history, emotional legacy, and charitable purpose.
These ribbons have become an annual fixture at the Memorial Tournament and select PGA Tour events, worn proudly by professionals on the course. The reason?
To raise awareness and support for the “Play Yellow” campaign, a movement rooted in the legacy of Jack Nicklaus, inspired by a young boy’s brave fight against cancer, and aimed at transforming the lives of children in hospitals across the United States.
What Is the “Play Yellow” Campaign and Why Was It Created?
The “Play Yellow” campaign is a charitable initiative launched in 2019 by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara Nicklaus, in partnership with the PGA Tour and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Its goal is to raise funds for local children’s hospitals, particularly those expenses not covered by insurance or government funding.
The campaign takes its name and visual identity from a touching story involving a young fan named Craig Smith, who battled bone cancer in the early 1970s.
Craig, a devoted fan of Nicklaus, believed yellow shirts brought luck, and this belief planted the seed for a movement that continues to touch lives more than 50 years later.
Since its inception, Play Yellow has raised more than $130 million, far surpassing its initial five-year goal of $100 million.
Who Was Craig Smith, and How Did He Inspire Jack Nicklaus?
Craig Smith was just ten years old when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer in 1968. A fan of Jack Nicklaus and the game of golf, Craig idolised the major champion.
Through a family connection, Craig’s father was Barbara Nicklaus’ minister the boy got in touch with the golfing icon, and a heartwarming relationship developed.
Nicklaus regularly called Craig to check in, offer encouragement, and provide emotional support during his gruelling treatment. One day, following a tournament win, Craig told Nicklaus:
“You know why you won today? Because I wore my lucky yellow shirt.”
That innocent comment became a profound source of inspiration. Nicklaus began wearing yellow in honour of Craig, a tradition that grew in emotional significance following the boy’s death at age 13 in 1971.
Years later, ahead of the final round of the 1986 Masters, Nicklaus pulled a yellow shirt from his suitcase and asked Barbara if Craig would have liked it.
She said, “Craig would love it.” He wore it and went on to claim one of the most memorable wins in Masters history.
This symbolic connection between colour, memory, and triumph laid the foundation for what would become the Play Yellow campaign.
Why Are Golfers Wearing Yellow Ribbons at the Memorial Tournament?
The Memorial Tournament, held annually at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, is one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour calendar.
It was founded by Jack Nicklaus in 1976, with a vision of celebrating the heritage of golf and honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to the game.
Each year, the event also becomes a platform for philanthropy and awareness. Players, caddies, and tournament staff wear yellow ribbons or clothing to show their support for Play Yellow.
This initiative isn’t just symbolic; it’s part of a coordinated fundraising effort for children’s hospitals across the United States.
Nicklaus, who also designed the Muirfield course, ensures that every detail of the tournament reflects his values, from the traditions observed to the charities supported. The yellow ribbon is a cornerstone of that tradition.
How Much Has the Campaign Raised, and Where Does the Money Go?
Since its official launch in 2019, Play Yellow has raised over $130 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a network of more than 170 non-profit children’s hospitals in North America.
The funds raised by the campaign are used to cover critical needs, including:
- Advanced medical equipment
- Paediatric research and treatment
- Services not reimbursed by insurance, such as family support programmes and travel assistance
- Community outreach and education
Below is a breakdown of how these funds are allocated:
| Use of Funds | Purpose |
| Medical Equipment | Purchase of life-saving tools like neonatal ventilators and imaging systems |
| Research | Supporting research for childhood cancers and rare conditions |
| Family Services | Covering lodging, transport, and therapy for families of sick children |
| Facility Upgrades | Renovation and expansion of hospital wings and recovery centres |
This financial impact is a testament to the golfing community’s commitment to making a difference beyond the course.
How Have Golfers and Fans Embraced the Play Yellow Movement?
The support for Play Yellow from within the professional golf community has been widespread and heartfelt. Players don yellow ribbons on their caps or shirts, wear yellow polos or trousers, and participate in charity drives during tournaments.
Professional golfers such as Rickie Fowler, Ben Griffin, and Justin Thomas have publicly endorsed the campaign, not only by wearing yellow but by contributing to fundraising and promotional efforts.
Beyond the professional circuit, the campaign has gained traction with amateur golfers, fans, and corporate sponsors, many of whom host “Play Yellow” days at local golf clubs or donate through the official platform.
Golf communities across the UK and internationally have adopted similar initiatives, organising tournaments and yellow-themed events to raise awareness and funds.
What Is the Significance of Colour in Golf Fundraising Campaigns?
Colour symbolism is not unique to golf, but in this sport, it has taken on particular meaning. The use of specific colours especially in ribbon form, allows players and fans to support causes with quiet dignity.
Here’s how different colours are used across golf for awareness purposes:
| Colour | Associated Cause |
| Yellow | Play Yellow, paediatric care, memorials |
| Pink | Breast cancer awareness |
| Blue | Autism and prostate cancer awareness |
| Red | Heart disease and HIV/AIDS awareness |
| Green | Mental health and environmental causes |
| Purple | Alzheimer’s and pancreatic cancer awareness |
Among these, yellow holds a uniquely emotional place in professional golf due to its association with Jack Nicklaus and Craig Smith.
What Role Does Jack Nicklaus Play in the Memorial and the Campaign?
Jack Nicklaus is not just a founder or host his influence permeates every detail of the Memorial Tournament and the Play Yellow campaign.
From the design of Muirfield Village to the traditions upheld by tournament organisers, Nicklaus’ legacy is woven into the fabric of the event.
Each year, his presence at the tournament and his continued advocacy for children’s health remind players and spectators alike of the campaign’s deeper meaning.
He often shares Craig Smith’s story during press events, emphasising the importance of compassion and community in sport.
Even during years when the event was held without fans, such as in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the yellow ribbons remained.
Players wore them proudly, standing in solidarity with Nicklaus and the countless families helped by the campaign.
Why Is the Yellow Ribbon More Than a Symbol?
The yellow ribbon has become a powerful emblem of remembrance, generosity, and solidarity. While it began as a personal tribute, its message has grown to encompass a broader humanitarian mission.
The ribbon serves as:
- A tribute to Craig Smith and his courage
- A symbol of Jack Nicklaus’ enduring legacy in and beyond golf
- A rallying point for the golf community’s charitable efforts
- A beacon of hope for children and families facing medical hardship
It is this combination of personal history and public action that makes the yellow ribbon so much more than a decorative item. It is a statement of purpose and a call to make a tangible difference.
Conclusion: What Makes the Yellow Ribbon in Golf So Meaningful?
To the casual observer, the yellow ribbons seen during tournaments might appear to be a simple gesture. But for those who know the story, they represent something far more profound.
The ribbons honour a young boy’s unwavering optimism, celebrate a golfing legend’s compassionate legacy, and drive a campaign that’s changing lives.
As golfers step onto the green, wearing yellow is their way of saying: We remember, we care, and we believe in something bigger than ourselves.
The impact of this small gesture continues to ripple far beyond the fairway, turning sport into service and tribute into tangible support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the yellow ribbon represent in golf tournaments?
The yellow ribbon represents support for the Play Yellow campaign, which raises funds for children’s hospitals through the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
When did golfers start wearing yellow ribbons for this cause?
The tradition began in earnest at the Memorial Tournament in 2020, though the symbolic use of yellow by Jack Nicklaus dates back to the 1970s.
Who was Craig Smith, and why is he central to Play Yellow?
Craig Smith was a young fan of Jack Nicklaus who battled bone cancer. His belief in yellow as a lucky colour inspired Nicklaus and became the foundation for the Play Yellow campaign.
How much has the Play Yellow campaign raised so far?
As of 2024, the campaign has raised over $130 million for paediatric hospitals.
Is Play Yellow only supported in the United States?
While the fundraising efforts are focused on North American hospitals, the campaign has gained international recognition and support from fans and clubs worldwide.
Can the general public contribute to Play Yellow?
Yes, anyone can donate through the Play Yellow website or participate in affiliated golf events and fundraisers.
What is Jack Nicklaus’ role in the Memorial Tournament?
Jack Nicklaus founded and hosts the Memorial Tournament. He designed the course, oversees traditions, and leads the charitable initiatives, including Play Yellow.
