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McIlroy Eyes Memorial Win as Scheffler Chases Third Title

6/4/2026

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Summary

McIlroy Targets Victory

Rory McIlroy, world No. 2, entered the 2026 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village on June 4, 2026, after a 0-13 record with five top-10 and four top-20 finishes.
Rory McIlroy said he would love to win and shake Jack Nicklaus’s hand, while Jack Nicklaus warned ‘no effing double bogeys’.
Scottie Scheffler, world No. 1, returned as two-time defending champion and seeks to join Tiger Woods as the only three-time Memorial winner.

Summary

McIlroy Urges Speed

Rory McIlroy urged US Open officials to keep green speeds between 11 and 11.2 and avoid exceeding 12.
He warned that speeds above 12 could alter hole locations and repeat the struggles of recent US Opens.
Rory McIlroy will play his sixth regular PGA Tour event of 2026 after only two starts since his April Masters win.

History

Historical Context

The 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach reinforced the championship’s reputation for punishing conditions, prompting ongoing debate over green speed. Today the USGA faces renewed pressure to slow greens, echoing past criticism of extreme setups. Historically the U.S. Open has been played on par-70 or 71 courses, with a par-72 only returning in 2017.

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McIlroy Targets Victory

Rory McIlroy, world No. 2, entered the 2026 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village on June 4, 2026, after a 0-13 record with five top-10 and four top-20 finishes.
Rory McIlroy said he would love to win and shake Jack Nicklaus’s hand, while Jack Nicklaus warned ‘no effing double bogeys’.
Scottie Scheffler, world No. 1, returned as two-time defending champion and seeks to join Tiger Woods as the only three-time Memorial winner.

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