4 things to know about the 2015 Memorial
Facts to have on hand ahead of the Memorial Tournament
With the Memorial Tournament starting tomorrow, here are four things you should know.
The Memorial Tournament has a wealth of history, not least because of its links to one of the greatest golfers the game has ever seen, Jack Nicklaus.
Hideki Matsuyama returns to Muirfield Village Golf Club this year to defend his title, with Tiger Woods also in the field, paired with Patrick Reed and Jason Day for the first two rounds.
With plenty of sub-plots to look forward to, here are four more things you should know about the tournament.
1. Only one Brit has ever won it.
It might be hard to believe, but Justin Rose is the only British golfer to have ever shot the lowest 72-hole score in a year. In 2010, the Englishman shot rounds of 65, 69, 70 and 66 to win by three shots from Rickie Fowler. Rory McIlroy finished five shots off Steve Stricker in 2011, but still Britain is waiting for just a second winner in Dublin, Ohio.
2. There have only ever been two European winners.
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Justin Rose may be the only Brit to have won, but he is also one of two Europeans. Although, given the tournament is now 40 years old, that isn't saying much. Carl Pettersson won in 2006, finishing two clear of Zach Johnson and Brett Wetterich. It's not surprising that there were two Americans right on Pettersson's heels; of the 39 editions, Americans have won 30 of them.
3. The tournament is always themed around one person.
True to the spirit of the game, the tournament always acknowledges those who have contributed in some way to the sport we love. The Captains Club, comprising of people such as Arnold Palmer and Peter Alliss, choose someone living or dead to be their honoree of the year. Past honorees include Seve Ballesteros and Payne Stewart, with Sir Nick Faldo this year's choice.
4. They give out an award to journalists.
Who says the world of sport doesn't get on with journalists? The Memorial honours those golf writers who have made a substantial impression in their field. There are plaques in the Media Centre to salute those who have gone before. A group of golf journalists are tasked with the job of selection.