COLUMBUS – Seven of the world’s top 10 golfers tee up Thursday for the 42nd playing of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, an event that tournament officials estimate pumps more than $35 million into the central Ohio community, not to mention placing it in an international spotlight for four days every year.
The 2017 Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, May 29 – June 4, Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin
The field of 120 golfers is led by No. 1 Dustin Johnson, No. 3 Jason Day and No. 4 Hideki Matsuyama, the 2014 Memorial winner. No. 2-ranked Rory McIlroy, who previously committed, had to cancel due to a nagging rib injury.
They will be joined by No. 7 Jordan Spieth, No. 8 Adam Scott, No. 9 Justin Rose, the 2010 winner, and No. 10 Rickie Fowler. The 2017 field also boasts all of the top 10 in FedExCup points standings.
Events begin in earnest Wednesday with the official pro-am and the honoree ceremony.
For the second straight year, former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning will play in the Nationwide Invitational Pro-Am and will greet Patient Champions.
Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the Memorial is passed on to Central Ohio charities, principally Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Dispatch Charities. Tournament officials say the total contributions to date have surpassed the $27 million mark, with over $16.5 million going to Nationwide Children’s.
Wednesday is also Military Day, when up to four complimentary tickets are available for active duty service members, Military Reserve members, National Guard, veterans, and military spouses. The Military Caddie Program, on the 16th hole gives up to 20 active duty service members the chance to caddy for a PGA TOUR player for one hole during the pro-am.
Also Wednesday, Junior Golf Day gives youth 18 and under the chance to receive complimentary admission with a ticketed adult.
During the Memorial Honoree Ceremony at 2:45 PM on the driving range, 2017 honoree Greg Norman, Tony Lema, Ken Venturi and E. Harvie Ward will be recognized, along with Golf Journalism Honoree: Jerry Tarde.