By Kate Lohnes
Late spring in Dublin means time on the links – the Memorial Tournament runs June 1-7 this year at Muirfield Village Golf Club. Here are a few informative tidbits, tournament facts, insider tips and memorable quotes to whet your Memorial appetite.
Tee-off Trivia
- Roger Maltbie won the first Memorial Tournament in 1976. Maltbie tied with Hale Irwin at 288 during the four rounds. He took home a prize of $40,000 after a memorable four-hole playoff round against Irwin.
- Kenny Perry is the all-time earnings leader for the Memorial with $3,091,542.84. Tiger Woods is second with $2,763,148.
- The player to make the most tournament appearances is the Memorial’s founder, Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus played at the event 30 times (and won it twice).
- Tiger Woods is the only player to win three consecutive tournaments, from 1999 to 2001. The only other three-time winner is Kenny Perry (1991, 2003 and 2008).
A Memorial Curse?
The Memorial Tournament has long been plagued by temperamental weather. Heavy rain, wind and other tricks courtesy of Mother Nature have been responsible for numerous play delays. The weather was so uncooperative in 1990, officials ended the tournament before the final round could be played (Greg Norman won with a score of 216 on 54 holes instead of the standard 72).
Legend has it the Memorial’s run-ins with less-than-favorable weather can be attributed to bad karma: rumors spread by word of mouth and via the Internet (www.TheShadowlands.net) allege the Muirfield Village Golf Club was built on sacred American Indian burial grounds. The New York Times mentioned a similar attribution in a 1995 article about the tournament’s weather problems.
Tune in before Tee Off
Motorists can stay abreast of traffic alerts on their way to the tournament by tuning their radios to 1610 AM. The channel will offer up-to-date information about traffic, parking and weather situations. The signal should be available within a 3 to 5-mile radius of Muirfield Village Golf Club.
Good for Business
Businesses around the Dublin community are also gearing up for the Memorial with special goods and promotions exclusive to tournament week, says Eric Leslie, president of the Historic Dublin Business Association. A sampling of Historic Dublin businesses that will have Memorial-themed promotions include:
Our CupCakery: Enjoy golf-themed cupcakes for sale.
Ha’Penny Bridge Imports of Ireland: Draw a golf ball from a bucket of balls to win discounts.
Blankets and Booties: Buy special order baby golf socks.
MJ’s Candy Bar: Bring in your tournament badge and receive a “buy one, get one at half off” discount.
Schade Photography: Schedule a “Memorial Memories” photo session the week of the tournament and receive a special $25 coupon.
Z Bearla’s: SUYB (Show Us Your Badge) Special – get 25 percent off all The Ohio State University-related items.
The Sisters Sweet Shoppe: Bring in your tournament badge to receive 25 percent off any item in the store. The shop will also have fresh brownies and chocolate tastings during tournament week and jumbo cashews will be on sale.
Modern Male: Get $10 off a pedicure or massage and enjoy a refreshing beer or wine while you’re there.
For the Kids
For youngsters who love golf, direct them to www.memorialclubhousekids.com. The Web site includes fun activities such as word searches and crossword puzzles themed around golf and the tournament. It also has information about the previous year’s tournament winner and other entertaining information.
Memorable Memorial Quotes
“I was pretty choked up and pretty emotional on the 18th green. Jack’s been an idol of everyone for so long. To grab that trophy from him, and to accept it from him, was a special moment.”
- Jim Furyk, after winning the tournament in 2002 (The New York Times)
“These players come back here every year. They don’t come back and say, ‘Gee, I want to go to Jack’s tournament because it’s Jack’s tournament.’ They say, ‘I want to go to the Memorial Tournament because it’s a great golf course and we’re treated well and it’s a great event.’”
- Jack Nicklaus, in 2007, on why he doesn’t want the Memorial Tournament named after him (ESPN.com)
“I have always said that if I am healthy, competitive enough and can contribute to the tournament by being a part of the field, then the Memorial Tournament is the one event I would like to play.”
- Jack Nicklaus, 2005 (USA Today)
“I think this is one of the best golf courses in the world.”
- Nick Faldo, 1994 (The New York Times)
Strategic Tournament Viewing
Looking to avoid large crowds at the tournament? During the Memorial’s bustling week, certain days might be busier than others, says Media Director Tom Sprouse.
If you want to avoid the crowds and get closer to the golfers: head out to the course Monday or Tuesday morning. Not as many fans will make it for the early practice rounds, so diehards can watch the pros without elbowing through a crowd (although some of the bigger names won’t make it to the course until later in the week).
If you want to check out cool events prior to the official tournament: visit the course Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday. Tuesday afternoon will feature a ceremony dedicated to this year’s tournament honorees (JoAnne Carner & Jackie Burke, Jr.), as well as a golf clinic with Jack Nicklaus and several pros at the main driving range. Wednesday will feature a nine-hole skins game on the course with Nicklaus and seven other pros (six of whom will be the top money earners on the PGA Tour from 2008). Wednesday will still feature practice rounds, as well.
If you want to bring the family: Wednesday is a great family day. Kids 18 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketholder, and a junior golf clinic will take place at the Safari Golf Club across the street from Muirfield.
If you want to watch the official tournament: the four official rounds at the Memorial are always busy, but Friday and Sunday tend to have the most people.
Staking out a spot versus following a player: What’s best?
Sprouse says many tournament attendees have “varying philosophies” on how they prefer to view the tournament. Some people come early and lay claim to a prize location near a green or tee box, while others like to follow a favorite player.
If you want to stay put: Sprouse suggests arriving as early as possible to stake your claim. A few good places to watch include the No. 5, 7 and 8 greens, the bleachers behind No. 12’s tee box, the bleachers behind the 15th tee and, of course, the 18th green.
If you like to follow players: pay attention to pairings, Sprouse says. If you come for the practice rounds, they won’t have pairings posted, so try hanging out near the No. 1 tee box to see who shows up.
For more information, visit www.thememorialtournament.com.
Kate Lohnes is assistant editor of Dublin Life.