DUBLIN, Ohio – The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday hosted the 16th annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide today, a unique, award-winning fundraiser that brings to life the alliance between the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. All proceeds of the Legends Luncheon directly benefit the young patients and families that Nationwide Children’s compassionately serves each day.
The goal of the Luncheon is to support national initiatives and advances in pediatric care and research throughout Nationwide Children’s. To date, the event has supported more than 30 hospital departments, initiatives, projects, and programs. To that end, the 2026 Legends Luncheon raised $1.5 million, bringing the 16-year total to nearly $18 million.
Executive Chairs of the Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide were Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, together with Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker and his wife Cindy, and Nationwide Children’s CEO Tim Robinson and his wife Jane. Luncheon guests experienced a charity event that is unique to Columbus, Ohio. Held at the Ohio Union on the campus of The Ohio State University, guests enjoyed a special conversation with Memorial Tournament Founder and Host Jack Nicklaus, inaugural winner of the Memorial Tournament in 1976 Roger Maltbie and David Graham, the Memorial Tournament’s 2026 honoree and 1980 winner. Steve Sands, NBC Sports and Golf Channel on-air personality covering the PGA TOUR and Olympics, moderated the discussion.
A highlight of the Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide was the presentation of the Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award, which is given annually to a patient or family who in some way has demonstrated a strong, driving spirit in overcoming obstacles, an unwavering optimistic outlook, and a powerful conviction for their connection to Nationwide Children’s.
The Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award honors the courage within that inspires volunteerism and community outreach, which has a positive influence on others. This year Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, along with Jack Nicklaus II and his wife Alli, presented the Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award to Nationwide Children’s patient champion Braylee Epperson, 14, of Pataskala, Ohio.
When Braylee began complaining of stomach pains, her parents brought her to the Nationwide Children's Hospital Emergency Room, thinking she may have appendicitis. Quickly, their fears intensified as doctors expressed concerns that they may have found a tumor and would like to perform emergency, exploratory surgery.
After surgery, Braylee and her parents waited for the results to explain her pain. Though the time was scary and confusing, they began to build bonds with the nursing staff.
“The nurses on the fourth floor were amazing,” recalls Katie, Braylee’s mom. “They never left our room without asking if any of us needed anything. They made our stay so much better.”
When the results finally came back, Braylee was diagnosed with a malignant mixed germ cell ovarian tumor – a rare, aggressive type of cancer that is a combination of two or more types of germ cell tumors. She immediately began meeting with the oncology team.
Braylee had a port installed and began chemotherapy. After several rounds over just a few short months, Braylee completed her treatment plan on January 2024. At the time, she didn’t yet know if more treatment would be necessary, but just a couple of weeks later, her scans showed no sign of the tumor, and Braylee would need no further treatment.
She quickly returned to school and dance recitals. Braylee's upbeat personality and bright light have proved that even in the most difficult times, there are things to be happy about.
The 2026 Legends Luncheon included an additional announcement from Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Tim Robinson announced today the renaming of one of the hospital’s most cherished spaces, the Magic Forest in honor of the Nicklaus family.
Upon entering the main hospital, Nationwide Children’s patients will encounter a design that is uplifting and optimistic. A nature theme is carried throughout with natural wood textures and imagery of animals, birds and butterflies. The hospital’s interior design team found that in times of stress and anxiety, images of birds, butterflies and notions of flight created feelings of calm, hope and optimism. Images of nature and natural textures connect people to the outdoors.
The “Magic Forest” has large, fabricated trees and an ever-changing light and soundscape to prompt the feeling of being inside a whimsical forest.
In recognition of the Nicklaus’ unwavering commitment to children’s healthcare, this space which offers a place of respite and distraction for patient families, staff and visitors, stands as a meaningful symbol of the Nicklaus family’s lasting impact.
Please note: This link will be updated throughout the day with current imagery and b-roll from the Legends Luncheon
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday is June 1-7 at Jack Nicklaus’ world-renowned Muirfield Village Golf Club.
Tickets for this year’s Memorial Tournament presented by Workday are available for purchase by visiting www.memorialtickets.com or by contacting the Tournament Ticket Office 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EDT weekdays at 877-MT BADGE (877-682-2343). Tickets start at $20 for the Memorial Tournament’s Any One Day Practice Round Ticket, valid for practice-round days Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Youth 15 and under receive complimentary grounds admission to the Memorial Tournament with a ticketed adult.
For more information about the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, please visit thememorialtournament.com. For the latest news and updates on social media, follow the Tournament on X and Instagram at @MemorialGolf and on Facebook at Facebook.com/theMemorialTournament.
About the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday
The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday is held annually at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. The Tournament, founded and hosted by Jack Nicklaus, is conducted each year with three goals in mind: to honor the memory of individuals living and deceased who have distinguished themselves in the game of golf; to showcase the world’s best golfers competing on one of the most challenging venues in the world for the enjoyment of spectators; and to benefit many Greater Columbus Charities in alliance with the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation and numerous other local organizations. For more information, visit www.thememorialtournament.com or call 614-889-6700.
About Workday
Workday is the enterprise AI platform for managing people, money, and agents. Workday unifies HR and Finance on one intelligent platform with AI at the core to empower people at every level with the clarity, confidence, and insights they need to adapt quickly, make better decisions, and deliver outcomes that matter. Workday is used by more than 11,500 organizations around the world and across industries – from medium-sized businesses to more than 65% of the Fortune 500. For more information about Workday, visit workday.com.
Media Contact:
Thomas P. Sprouse
VP Communications,
the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday
E-Mail: tsprouse@thememorialtournament.com
Office: 614-889-6791
Mobile: 614-519-1873
Additional Media Contacts
Karen Davis | Nationwide | PH: 614-332-5924 | davik53@nationwide.com
Audrey Hasson | Nationwide Children’s Hospital | PH: 614-581-5407 | audrey.hasson@nationwidechildrens.org
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