Top Contenders Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm Lead the Way at the Memorial
The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday is set to take place at Muirfield Village Golf Club, Columbus, Ohio, with 120 players vying for the coveted title. This year, the tournament boasts a historic milestone as the course measures a record-breaking 7,571 yards, making it the longest in event history, and playing to a par of 72.
Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as the frontrunner, with odds of +600 at BetMGM Sportsbook. With two wins earlier in the season and a remarkable streak of consistent finishes, including three consecutive top-three placements, Scheffler is proving to be a formidable contender. Although he has limited experience at Muirfield Village, his solid form suggests he has what it takes to excel.
While not the favorite, Jon Rahm has a strong track record at MVGC. In 2020, he emerged victorious after shooting an impressive 75 on Sunday and winning by three strokes. Despite a setback last year due to a COVID-19 withdrawal, Rahm remains a force to be reckoned with at this course. His consistent performance in the Strokes Gained categories puts him among the top seven, highlighting his potential to secure another remarkable finish.
Patrick Cantlay, a two-time winner in recent years at the Memorial, is another contender to watch closely. His affinity for this event is evident, as he has consistently delivered strong performances, including a third-place finish last year. With a remarkable track record this season, consistently finishing inside the top 26 in all his starts, Cantlay's prowess in Total Driving and GIR, coupled with his ability to make birdies, makes him a significant threat to the field.
Rory McIlroy, despite not achieving a top-10 finish in his last four appearances at Muirfield Village, remains a notable competitor. Following a solid performance at the PGA Championship, where he secured another top-10 finish, McIlroy aims to regain his form at this demanding course. However, his accuracy off the tee and putting skills may pose challenges as he strives to navigate the course effectively.
Xander Schauffele, with a streak of four consecutive top-10 finishes, stumbled at Oak Hill with a T18. Nevertheless, his previous success at big courses, including a solo second-place finish at Quail Hollow Club, demonstrates his ability to contend. If Schauffele can reclaim his form, a top-10 finish at Jack's place could be within reach.
Viktor Hovland seeks to build on his recent strong showings at major championships. Although he has yet to secure a victory in the continental United States, his impressive performances at the Masters and PGA Championship suggest that he may surpass his previous T47 result at Muirfield Village.
Collin Morikawa, the winner of the 2020 Workday event at the same venue, displays undeniable skill. Despite enduring some inconsistency this season, his ability to thrive on demanding courses, as seen in his 10th-place finish at Augusta National, positions him as a contender worth keeping an eye on.
Tyrrell Hatton, known for his adaptability to various course styles, has been in excellent form in 2023. Following strong showings at the PGA Championship, Quail Hollow Club, and AT&T Byron Nelson, Hatton seeks to carry his momentum at MVGC. Although he has not won since the 2020 Arnold Palmer Invitational, his consistent performances make him a formidable competitor.
As the defending champion, Billy Horschel aims to etch his name alongside Tiger Woods as the only players to successfully defend the Memorial title. Horschel's solid performance last year, including a remarkable