The Memorial | Course Preview, Field, & What to Watch For

We are back at Muirfield Village, but this week, golf fans should expect a much different golf course. The rough will be up, and pin locations will be in much more difficult locations on the greens. Player wise, this could be one of the most stacked fields of the 2020 season.

Justin Thomas, Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, will all be returning to the course after last week’s Workday Charity Open. In addition to them, World No. 1 Rory Mcilroy is in the field, as well as Mr. Eldrick. Tiger Woods will be making his first start since the Genesis Open back in February.

Tiger has been playing golf at home with Charlie and some buddies, and seems to be in great form. Woods has won this tournament 5 times, including a 3-peat back in ‘99-’02. Before we take a look at the field, let’s go over the gem that is Muirfield Village. 

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Course Layout

Muirfield Village is universally known as one of the great golf courses the PGA Tour visits on an annual basis. They are being put in a unique position, as the Memorial will play as the second leg of a double-header. Jack’s Place is famous for not only the milkshakes, but as a second shot golf course.

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The fairways are wide, which might preview a “bombers paradise.” Although long-hitters can have fun here, the second shot is crucial. This is one of the reasons why pure ball-strikers always seem to do well here. Muirfield is a Par 72, and plays just under 7,400 yards on the scorecard. 

Field

Might as well start with the Big Cat. Tiger is returning to a PGA Tour that is much different than the one he left in February. He will be playing, for the first time in his career, in front of no fans. He mentioned this week that it’s going to feel different compared to other tournaments, but I’m sure we’ll adjust quickly. Tiger showed at the Match II that he seems to be in complete control of all aspects of his game, and if he can find fairways, he should be in great shape going into the weekend. 

Rory Mcilroy is back after taking a few weeks off after the Travelers Championship. It looked like he was on a run to post something to beat in the clubhouse, but a late double-bogey spoiled that. He was still able to crack the Top 15, with a game that might have been his C level. When Rory plays his A game, the rest of the field might as well pack it up. He will have to make putts this week, but with wide fairways and his ball striking, I accept him to be in the hunt. 

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Brooks Koepka is back after missing the cut at the Workday Charity Open. He got hot late, but it wasn’t enough to make up for his early bad play. The Tour missed the opportunity to put Bryson and Brooks together for Thursday and Friday, as Brooks seemed to take a shot at him on Twitter regarding Bryson’s immense weight gain. We will see what Brooks does this week, as he has been his normal self, not really competing in tournaments that aren’t majors. 

Justin Thomas is coming off a 3rd playoff hole loss to Collin Morikawa last Sunday and called it “unacceptable.” He had a 3 shot lead with 3 holes to play, and gave it all back to fall into a tie forcing the playoff. JT is a certified killer, and I expect the loss to propel him into another great start this week.

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Collin Morikawa is a straight stud. After only 25 starts, he’s up to #13 in the world, ahead of *cough* *cough*, Tiger Woods. His ball-striking is unbelievable and is incredibly straight off the tee. The only aspect that plagues him from time to time is putting, but if he continues to hit the ball right next to the cup, that won’t be a problem. He’s of course comfortable with this track, as we won here just a few days ago. I don’t expect him to come out flat, but continue to do what he does best, play very, very good golf. 

Players to Watch 

I feel like I have to say Bryson every week, and that’s because I do. He’s weirdly big now, and just pummels the golf ball. He should be able to unleash driver at Muirfield, which will give him wedge into basically every hole. 

Justin Thomas is going to come back angry and determined this week. A tough loss last Sunday will only get him going more. I expect another Top 5 from him this week. 

Kevin Streelman. The veteran is in good form, and loves this course. Had a T7 last week, and a solo 2nd in Connecticut. We will see if he can back it up. 

Featured Groups (FedEx Cup Ranking)

Rory McIlroy (5), Tiger Woods (41), Brooks Koepka (156)

Thursday: 1:17 p.m. ET (No. 1); Friday: 8:17 a.m. ET (No. 10)

Phil Mickelson (94), Justin Rose (119), Shane Lowry (145)

Thursday: 1:06 p.m. ET (No. 1); Friday: 8:06 p.m. ET (No. 10)

Bryson DeChambeau (4), Collin Morikawa (6), Patrick Cantlay (28)

Thursday: 8:06 p.m. ET (No. 10); Friday: 1:06 p.m. ET (No. 1)

Justin Thomas (1), Xander Schauffele (12), Dustin Johnson (23)

Thursday: 8:17 a.m. ET (No. 10); Friday: 1:17 p.m. ET (No. 1)

Weather 

DUBLIN WEATHER

My Pick to Win 

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Xander Schauffele. A ball-strikers ball-striker, and can roll it. He had a good week here last week, finishing T14. He always shines in the big events, and I don’t expect that to change.

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