Jeff Babineau, a leading golf writer and former editor of US magazine Golfweek, has died at his home in Florida from natural causes at the age of 62.
Paying tribute to their former colleague, Golfweek reported: “The scope of Babineau’s work as a golf journalist spanned decades and included stories and interviews about every major star on any tour. He covered more than 100 major championships and a dozen Ryder Cups.
“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 joined 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 job to focus on his passion for writing, at which he excelled, having won many awards over the years.
“He left Golfweek in 2017 and began work as a freelance writer for organisations such as Augusta National, the PGA Tour and the PGA of America, among many others.”
Former Golfweek senior writer Adam Schupak wrote: “Babs was a mentor to me and a friend to all. 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 humour in equal parts.”
Babineau was president of the Golf Writers Association of America from 2015-2017 and was still serving as its secretary at the time of his death.
Paying tribute, GWAA President Gary D’Amato wrote: “Jeff was a superb writer and editor and was well-liked among our members and at Tour stops everywhere. He was a level-headed mentor to many of us, always quick with a smile and an encouraging word.
“Jeff cared deeply about golf journalism and about the GWAA. He covered more than 100 majors and 12 Ryder Cups and wrote eloquently about them, but more importantly, he was a caring friend. We are going to miss him deeply.”
A spokesperson for the LPGA said: “Jeff was a smiling and welcoming face in so many media centers. His constant support of our Tour athletes, shown through his impeccable storytelling and insightful questions, will be greatly missed. Jeff was a friend, a mentor, a professional and, most importantly, a kind person.”