Story perspectives

Scheffler favorite; Henley surprise at Memorial’s $20 M 50th.

6/3/2026

Summary

Scheffler Leads Memorial

The 2026 Memorial Tournament opens Thursday, June 4, in Dublin, Ohio.
Scottie Scheffler is the +300 favorite for the $20 million purse with a $4 million winner’s share.
A SportsLine simulation of 10,000 runs flags Russell Henley at +3000 as a surprise contender and fades Cameron Young at +1600.
The event marks its 50th anniversary on a Nicklaus-designed, par-72, 7,569-yard course noted for narrow fairways and second-lowest birdie rate from the rough.

Summary

Scheffler Three-peat

Scottie Scheffler could become the 18th golfer to post a PGA Tour three-peat at Muirfield.
Rory McIlroy returns for his first Muirfield start since 2010 after skipping the 2025 Memorial.
Patrick Cantlay says his friendship with Jack Nicklaus draws him to Muirfield.
Renovations finished before 2021 boosted driving accuracy, helping players like McIlroy play steadier.
Ludvig Åberg, third in strokes-gained over three months, hopes a putter will lift his game.

History

Historical Context

Jack Nicklaus founded the Memorial Tournament in 1976, debuting at his newly built Muirfield Village Golf Club with a $200,000 purse won by Roger Maltbie. Over five decades the event gained invitational status and charitable ties, and in 2026 it celebrates its 50th anniversary with a $20 million purse, drawing top players such as Scottie Scheffler.

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Scheffler Leads Memorial

The 2026 Memorial Tournament opens Thursday, June 4, in Dublin, Ohio.
Scottie Scheffler is the +300 favorite for the $20 million purse with a $4 million winner’s share.
A SportsLine simulation of 10,000 runs flags Russell Henley at +3000 as a surprise contender and fades Cameron Young at +1600.
The event marks its 50th anniversary on a Nicklaus-designed, par-72, 7,569-yard course noted for narrow fairways and second-lowest birdie rate from the rough.

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