A memorable win for a now iconic broadcaster is being memorialized with a … teddy bear?!?

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A memorable win for a now iconic broadcaster is being memorialized with a … teddy bear?!?

A memorable win for a now iconic broadcaster is being memorialized with a … teddy bear?!?

Roger Maltbie won the inaugural Memorial Tournament 50 years ago, and his win is being recognized in a creative way that raises money for charity

A memorable win for a now iconic broadcaster is being memorialized with a … teddy bear?!?

Roger Maltbie won the inaugural Memorial Tournament 50 years ago, and his win is being recognized in a creative way that raises money for charity

Fifty years ago, a young golfer named Roger Maltbie walked onto the 18th green at Muirfield Village Golf Club wearing an outfit that would become almost as legendary as the victory itself. Now, that iconic moment is being immortalized in the most unexpected way—a teddy bear.

The inaugural Memorial Tournament in 1976 wasn't just the start of Jack Nicklaus's dream to bring a world-class event to his Ohio hometown. It was also the stage for one of the luckiest breaks in golf history, when Maltbie's errant shot somehow found the green, setting up a playoff victory over Hale Irwin. But what fans remember almost as vividly as that improbable birdie is Maltbie's final-round fashion: a bold, colorful ensemble that stood out even in an era known for its daring golf attire.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Memorial Tournament is celebrating its golden anniversary. While two-time major champion David Graham is this year's official honoree, Maltbie's legacy is getting a soft, cuddly tribute. The tournament's annual "Bears For Nationwide Children's" charity program is releasing a limited-edition golden bear named "Maltbie" in his honor. Proceeds from the sale of these stuffed bears—available at the tournament, online, and at nearby locations—support the Memorial Tournament Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Maltbie, who won five PGA Tour titles before becoming a beloved NBC Sports broadcaster, will be back at Muirfield Village for the first time in years. He's signed a new deal with Golf Channel and will be working the tournament as an on-course reporter, no doubt sharing stories about that unforgettable 1976 win and, if we're lucky, the outfit that started it all.

Last year's bear was named "Bash" in tribute to Barbara Nicklaus. This year, "Maltbie" is ready to find a home with golf fans who appreciate a good story—and a great fashion statement. After all, some legends are just too good to be forgotten, even if they come stuffed with fluff.

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