5 history-making storylines ahead of the 2022 Memorial Tournament
Highlighted by bright-white sand bunkers and framed with hardwood trees and winding creeks, the Jack Nicklaus design at Muirfield Village Golf Club ranks as one of the most majestic golf courses in the world.
And each late May into early June, the immaculate landscape that stretches across the elevation changes in different shades of green takes the PGA Tour’s center stage.
Although it’s not a major championship, what the Memorial Tournament offers can rival any of the four slams.
The setup is prime for must-see moments, where risk/reward is the name of the game. Pressure-filled tee shots. Gutsy approaches. And challenging putts from the redesigned bentgrass surface, one of Jack’s latest tweaks to a legacy that began in the 1970s.
It’s why so many fans look to make Muirfield Village an annual golf trip or a checkmark on their bucket list. And if you’re hoping to attend this year’s Memorial Tournament, then TicketSmarter can help tee up the experience.
The online reseller has your Memorial Tournament ticket needs covered, from practice rounds to the Sunday stretch. Backed by a 100% ticket guarantee, purchases are safe, secure and simple. Plus, like the great charitable efforts of the Memorial Tournament itself, TicketSmarter’s philanthropic mission is aided with each ticket sold.
So, are you ready to walk the grounds of the Golden Bear’s signature design?
Ahead of the truly a memorable opportunity, we’re looking at five storylines that could make the 2022 Memorial Tournament a must-attend, historical event.
No. 3 for Patrick Cantlay?
(USA TODAY Network)
Cantlay’s tale at Muirfield Village has one of the best beginnings possible. Heading into the 2019 Memorial, he had a common question on his mind: What does it take to win on Tour? And he indeed went to the right person for the answer.
Four rounds after his conversation with Jack Nicklaus, Cantlay found himself atop the leaderboard on Sunday. He would follow up that victory with a one-hole-playoff win over Collin Morikawa in 2021, placing him in rare company in Memorial Tournament history with two wins.
And if he can go back-to-back in 2022 and get to three? That would move him into a tie for second all-time with Kenny Perry, surpassing legends like Tom Watson, Hale Irwin and yes, Mr. Golden Bear himself.
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History for Stewart Cink?
(Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)
Stewart Cink created a buzz to a near roar at the PGA Championship as the 49-year-old battled against the younger contenders for the Wanamaker Trophy. And while his efforts at Southern Hills came up short, there is something to be said for Cink’s momentum and confidence.
Will that carry over to the Memorial Tournament?
Cink still has the length to handle a 7,300-yard-plus track like Muirfield Village. And now, it seems like he’s found the type of control that the tight landing areas absolutely require.
It’ll be his 25th start. Add another top-10 finish in driving accuracy—like his showing at Southern Hills—and that type of controlled effort could land him in the history books as the oldest Memorial Tournament winner of all time.
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Unfinished business for Jon Rahm?
(Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
Jon Rahm’s 2020 Memorial win nearly became a repeat in 2021, with an effort that included a hole-in-one at the difficult 16th. Rahm’s charge—and 6-shot lead—was cut short in heartbreaking fashion, though, after he tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to withdraw on Sunday.
But the current World No. 2 is back for the 2022 Memorial, bringing his 69.72 scoring average to the invitation-only field in hopes of adding another win—which would place him in some extremely unique company.
Tiger Woods and Patrick Canltay are the only two Jack Nicklaus Award winners who can claim they have won Jack’s tournament more than once.
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11th time’s the charm for Rory McIlroy?
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
McIlroy is back for the Memorial Tournament, which alone provides plenty of excitement for the galleries.
But could this be Rory’s year to finally win Jack’s tourney?
It’ll be his 11th Memorial start, adding to a resume that includes four top-10 finishes during his career—the first making history as the third-youngest of all time.
And the history if McIlroy does win? The three-time Jack Nicklaus Award winner would join Woods, Cantlay and Rahm as the only Memorial winners who can claim both achievements.
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What unknowns await Jack’s signature course?
(Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
The Memorial Tournament is no stranger to thrilling, history-making dramatics, and the recent highlights are proof…
Bryson DeChambeau provided fireworks in 2018 with a sudden-death win, making him one of the five-youngest champs of all time. Jason Dufner’s incredible 32-foot par save on 18 sent the 2017 gallery into a giant roar, a wild comeback from one of the largest 54-hole deficits (4) in history.
The year prior, William McGirt won his first-ever PGA Tour event, another sudden-death finale for the crowds at Muirfield Village. That followed the 2015 drama, which ended with another first-time winner, David Lingmerth.
It’s the type of unknown theatrics that make golf such a great sport—especially for the spectators—and why the Memorial ranks as a special tournament for fans and the pros.
The drama always seems to make repeat appearances—every round— at Muirfield Village.
