This week signals the 42nd running of The Memorial, the Golden Bear’s brainchild, and, as always, some of the biggest names in the world of professional golf will be teeing it up in Central Ohio.
Headlined by World No. 1 Dustin Johnson, in addition to juggernauts Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Jon Rahm, Rickie Fowler, Adam Scott, and others, the battle for the Buckeye State looks to be one of its best yet.
As we do each week, here are 5 Power Picks for the The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club
Dustin Johnson
The 2017 season has been about Dustin Johnson… and then everyone else. His hold on the World No. 1 spot appears impenetrable; there is a bigger difference in average world ranking points between DJ and No. 2 Rory McIlroy than there is between Rory and No. 23 Phil Mickelson.
DJ has become a/the favorite in every event he enters, regardless of the location. This week is no different.
- Ranks No. 1 in the current FedExCup standings.
- Sits at No. 1 in Official World Golf Ranking.
- This is DJ’s ninth consecutive start at the Memorial Tournament.
- Finished T3 in 2016, marking his second top-10 at Muirfield Village Golf Club (4th/2011).
- DJ has only missed the cut one time (2013).
- Three wins this season (Genesis Open, WGC-Mexico Championship, WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play).
- Awarded the Jack Nicklaus Trophy as Player of the Year for the 2015-16 PGA Tour Season.
- Last 10: T13, T12, T2, 1, 1, 1, 3, MC, T2, T6
Jordan Spieth
A T2 finish in his championship defense at the Dean & DeLuca Invitational answered some questions about the state of Spieth’s game, a strong finish coming off a very uncharacteristic two missed cuts.
Jordan and his Scotty Cameron putter have made up after a brief trial separation, and he appears to have his whole game back.
- Ranks No. 5 in the current FedExCup standings.
- Sits at No. 6 in Official World Golf Ranking.
- Returns to the Memorial Tournament for a fifth appearance.
- Spieth’s best finish at the event was T3 in 2016.
- Youngest winner of the FedExCup and of the TOUR Championship (22 years, 2 months).
- Owns nine PGA Tour wins, including two majors: 2015 Masters Tournament and U.S. Open.
- Awarded the Jack Nicklaus Trophy as Player of the Year for the 2014-15 PGA TOUR Season.
- Last 10: T2, MC, MC, T11, MC, T30, T12, T22, 1, T9
Jason Day
If anyone in the field is the “home” guy, it is Jason Day, a native Aussie who has adopted Columbus as his American hometown. He is a resident of nearby Westerville, a Northern Columbus suburb, and his wife’s family is also from the area.
The world No. 3 was in the midst a surprising three-month funk, but appeared to break out of it in Dallas, where he finished runner-up to Billy Horschel at the Byron Nelson Classic.
- Ranks No. 43 in the current FedExCup standings.
- Sits at No. 3 in Official World Golf Ranking.
- Has made five cuts in eight starts at the Memorial Tournament.
- T27 is best finish (2016 and 2009).
- Owns 10 PGA Tour titles, with eight of those coming in the span of 18 months – 2015-2016.
- Last 10: 2, T60, T22, 58, T23, T64, T5, MC, T12, WD
Rickie Fowler
If he can get past his last finish at TPC Sawgrass, he should be one of the favorites at Muirfield Village.
He has played well in 2017; much better than he did in 2016, with a win and a T3 being among four top 10 finishes in just 10 events this season.
- Ranks No. 10 in the current FedExCup standings.
- Sits at No. 12 in Official World Golf Ranking.
- In seven starts in the memorial Tournament, has not posted a top-20 finish since runner-up in 2010.
- Missed cut in last three appearances at Muirfield Village.
- Owns 4 PGA Tour titles, with most recent coming at The Honda Classic this year.
- Last 10: T60, T11, T3, 12, T16, 1, T4, MC, T36, T3
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm, the fiery 22-year-old Spanish phenom, has been incredible in his first full year on the PGA Tour.
Making the cut in all 14 events he has entered this season, Rahm has one victory (Farmers Insurance Open), and six top-5 finishes.
- Ranks No. 4 in the current FedExCup standings.
- Sits at No. 9 in Official World Golf Ranking.
- Rookie will make his tournament debut.
- Rahm won his maiden PGA Tour victory at the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open.
- He owns six top-five finishes, and two runner-ups, including at last week’s DEAN & DELUCA Invitational.
- Rahm was the Jack Nicklaus Award recipient last year. The award, created in 1988, is given annually to the national players-of-the-year at each level of collegiate golf.
- Last 10: T2, T72, 4, T27, T10, 2, T3, T5, T16, 1
Credit: PGA Tour, Getty Images
