The Memorial 2018 "We're Doing Supergroups" Preview
Jack Nicklaus. The GOAT. This time last year we were still trying to digest the whirlwind that was Tiger’s DUI and subsequent videos. This time this year we’re still trying to digest how he’s swinging 120+ mph and threatening leaderboards late on Sundays.
Regardless, Jack Nicklaus is the greatest of all time. There’s really no denying that. Sure you could argue other players have played greater golf for certain stretches. You could argue Tiger’s total dominance and the Tiger Slam in 2000-2001 or Byron Nelson’s untouchable record of winning 11 events in a row will never be matched. People will argue that Nicklaus never accomplished THAT.
But greatness in golf is about longevity and about majors. Jack’s record of 18 majors, and 19 second places, makes him the undisputed greatest player of all time. And this week is his week.
Jack founded The Memorial Tournament 41 years ago in 1976, winning it himself the next year (and again in 1984). It stands as one of just five invitational status events on TOUR. Tiger’s won here five times, most recently in 2012 by hitting what Jack called the greatest shot he’d ever seen considering the circumstances.
Amazingly Tiger shot 85 just three years later, the worst round of his career.
Muirfield is also the scene of this legendary Tiger moment.
May be the biggest fist pump he’s ever delivered.
The Track
Muirfield Village is a Jack Nicklaus conception, creation, and design. It was named after Muirfield, Scotland, where Jack won his first British Open. Opened in 1974, it’s hosted The Memorial every year since its inception in 1976. It’s also hosted the Ryder Cup (1987), the Presidents Cup (2013), the US Amateur (1992), and the Solheim Cup (1998). The place is top notch.
Our boy @linksgems (must follow) calls this Jack’s best golf course.
Jack designed the course, with certain holes inspired by some of his favorites from around the world. It’s a par 72, tipped out at 7,392 yards. It’s got a rating of 76.9, a slope of 153, and is known these days for incredibly slick greens.
Notable Holes
3rd, 401 yards, par 4
Not very long, has a generous fairway, yet still finds a way to give the guys plenty of fits. A poor drive will leave some trees to navigate, and the green angled away with water short makes distance control imperative on the approach.
8th, 183 yards, par 3
11th, 567 yards, par 5
Elevated tee, very reachable for these guys. Beauty aplenty with a creek running right through it. Let’s let Phil give us a fun, adventurous look at it.
12th, 184 yards, par 3
Look familiar? This one might remind of you of Augusta. Golden Bell. Biggest difference? It’s about 40 yards longer.
14th, 363 yards, par 4
Birdie hole down the stretch. An AWESOME short par-4, this angled green makes distance control imperative.
The Clubhouse
Sprawling but tasteful. I see about 30 different fantastic spots to have a transfusion.
Muirfield clubhouse grade = 9.4.
Weather
I have seen better forecasts.
The Field
Predictions
Winning Score
The last four years the winning score’s averaged 14-under here.
Winning score, 14-under.
Winner
Tiger Woods.
The Smylie Kaufman DFL Award
No Smylie and no Bowditch in the field this week. We’ll take a week off from DFL.
Dark Horse
Charl Schwartzel
Coverage
Stream the big boys on PGA TOUR Live Thursday and Friday.
Golf Channel will feature live coverage Thursday & Friday 2:30 – 6:30 pm and from 12 ish – 2:30 ish on the weekend.
CBS will take over Saturday at 3 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm.
Final Thoughts
We had Dave Portnoy from Barstool Sports on the show this week to allow him his Shinnecock victory lap and try to figure out where we went so wrong.
Enjoy Jack’s place.