Jeff Babineau — longtime golf writer, former Golfweek editor — dies at 62

Jeff Babineau, longtime golf writer and former editor of Golfweek, died Tuesday at his home in Oviedo, Florida. He was 62.

Babineau’s list of friends and contacts ranges across the entire sport, and the scope of his work spanned decades and included stories and interviews about every major star on any golf tour. He covered more than 100 major championships on the men’s and women’s tours, and he also wrote about 12 Ryder Cups.

The Golf Writers Association of America reported that he passed away from natural causes. Babineau was president of that organization from 2015-2017 and still served as its secretary.

Known far and wide as “Babs” and one of the best-known voices in any media room, he worked in recent years as a freelance writer for organizations such as Augusta National, the PGA Tour and the PGA of America, among many others. He also was proud to serve on the board of directors for Folds of Honor, a non-profit that raises money for children who have lost a military parent.

Jeff Babineau presents to Gary Woodland the Golf Writers Association of America’s Ben Hogan Award – for an individual who has continued to be active in golf despite a physical handicap or serious illness – at this year’s annual GWAA dinner the week of the Masters. (Courtesy of the GWAA/David Cannon/Getty Images)

After graduating from Florida Southern College in 1984, Babineau got his start in journalism at the Orlando Sentinel in 1986, covering golf as well as the NFL, NHL and college sports. He moved to Golfweek in 1998 and became a senior writer and deputy editor, eventually taking over as editor in 2008. He served in that role until 2014, when he gave up the editor’s role to focus on his passion for writing, at which he excelled, having won many awards over the years. He departed Golfweek in 2017 and began work as a freelancer among other opportunities.

In his time at Golfweek, Babs served as a coach to many, including this writer. He knew golf, he knew writing and he knew how to make people smile. He will be sorely missed.

“Babs was a mentor to me and a friend to all,” said Golfweek senior writer Adam Schupak, who started working alongside Babineau in 2005. “He knew the right questions to ask and the best way to ask them. No one used sarcasm to better effect but his real superpowers were the ability to write with both empathy and humor in equal parts.”

Babineau is survived by his wife, Jane, and three sons: Keith, Derek and Luke. Details of any services will be shared when available.