March 9: AMFF Honors Jack Nicklaus with the 2027 Heritage Award

The American Museum of Fly Fishing is proud to announce that Jack Nicklaus, world-renowned golfer, avid angler, passionate conservationist, and dedicated philanthropist, will receive the Museum’s 2027 Heritage Award. The award will be presented on March 9, 2027, at Lost Tree Club in Palm Beach, Florida.

An angler for more than 60 years, Nicklaus, known as “The Golden Bear,” has long credited fly fishing with providing sporting challenges, opportunities to spend meaningful time with multiple generations of his beloved family and friends, and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. He was first introduced to the sport by his Ohio State golf coach, Bob Kepler, and later found mentors in fly-fishing legends Joe Brooks and Lefty Kreh. Since then, he has traveled the globe as a fly fisher, with bonefish among his favorite species.

Nicklaus has also been a long-time advocate for conservation and the outdoors. He has served for many years on the board of The Everglades Foundation and previously served on the board of, and as a spokesperson for, the Federation of Fly Fishers (now Fly Fishers International). He is also a former Honorary Chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush, and the Congressional Gold Medal to recognize his excellence in golf, his lifelong demonstration of sportsmanship and integrity, and his extensive philanthropic contributions.

As a pioneering and devoted advocate for environmental sustainability in golf course architecture and with a course-design portfolio spanning more than 400 layouts in over 40 countries, Nicklaus has worked with conservation organizations, including the Audubon Society, to promote wildlife protection and habitat conservation. Many Nicklaus-designed courses have earned certified sanctuary status for their efforts to protect local wildlife and preserve natural habitats.

Jack and his wife, Barbara, also an accomplished angler, founded Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004. Since its founding, the organization has helped children and families around the world gain access to cutting-edge pediatric health care. 

“The AMFF is thrilled to have the opportunity to present the 2027 Heritage Award to Jack Nicklaus,” said AMFF President Gardner L Grant Jr. “For so many years, Jack has been an exceptional leader in sport, conservation, and philanthropy, and an inspiring example of the power of fly fishing to knit families and friends together, and to inspire the angling community to work for the preservation of the resources upon which our sport depends.”

Established in 1997, the Heritage Award honors individuals and organizations whose commitment to the sport of fly fishing and the conservation of natural resources sets a standard to which we can all aspire. Past recipients include Charles Gaines, Oliver White, the Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation, Andy Mill, Johnny Morris, Presidents Jimmy Carter and George H. W. Bush, Tom McGuane, Ted Turner, Tom Brokaw, Robert Rubin, Paul Volcker, Joan Wulff, and Yvon Chouinard.

Ticket sales will open soon. For sponsorship information or to be added to the event mailing list for updates, please email amff@amff.org.