On Tuesday morning of tournament week, The Cognizant Classic and PGA Tour honored the late Jeff Babineau with the 2025 Tim Rosaforte Distinguished Journalist Award. Babineau, a beloved figure in golf journalism, passed away on December 9.
Babineau’s journey in sports journalism began in 1986 with the Orlando Sentinel, where he covered golf and other sports. In 1998, he joined Golfweek eventually ascending to editor in 2008. Known to everyone in the industry as “Babs”, he served as editor until 2014 when he returned to his true passion—writing about golf. Recently, Babineau departed Golfweek to pursue freelance opportunities, including with the PGA Tour.
Throughout his distinguished career, Babineau covered hundreds of professional golf tournaments across the PGA Tour, LPGA, major championships, Presidents Cups, and Ryder Cups.
“Jeff would be so honored to receive this award,” said his wife Jane. “He admired Rosie very much—he was one of his guys. He used the word ‘mentor’ frequently, and always considered Rosie among the best in the business.”
The tournament media room at The Cognizant Classic has also been named in Tim’s honor.
Pictured above: Members of the Babineau and Rosaforte families gathered to honor Babs and remember Rosie.