The Memorial Tournament

The Memorial Tournament is a PGA Tour event played annually in May at the Muirfield Golf Club. The Memorial Tournament is the brainchild of legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, who set up the event in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio to celebrate the traditions of golf, at the same time adding an event of international significance to the PGA Tour calendar.

With only the top 75 players on the previous year’s money list eligible for participation in the tournament, the Memorial Tournament is a restricted field event. The tournament is one of the most prestigious regular season events on the PGA Tour. It is also known for its commemoration of the talents of great golfers at the annual club induction ceremony which takes place during the event.

Memorial Tournament History

Jack Nicklaus first mentioned his intention to set up a golf tournament in his hometown at the 1966 US Masters tournament. Nicklaus not only believed that the PGA tour needed more events of international importance, but also chose to use a major golf tournament to give something back to the community in which he had been raised.

The first Memorial Tournament was played in 1976 and won by American Roger Maltbie, with Nicklaus winning the event one year later. During its early history the Memorial Tournament was played over the Memorial Day weekend. This schedule resulted in the tournament frequently coinciding with the onset of Spring showers, causing numerous delays in play.

In 1989 the decision was made to host the Memorial Tournament two weeks prior to the Memorial Day weekend to avoid weather interruptions. The tournament was subsequently moved again to the first week in June and has not suffered significant weather delays since 1997.

Memorial Tournament Betting

The Memorial Tournament, despite featuring a largely American field, receives adequate coverage from UK sportsbooks. While punters may struggle to access betting specials and ante-post markets, they will still benefit from a full selection of golf betting opportunities during the tournament.

In recent years the Memorial Tournament has frequently produced surprise winners, with less familiar names claiming the title. Bets on form outsiders can pay off generously in this event, both in outright winner betting markets, as well as in 3-ball and match bets.

William Hill Free Bet
William Hill are the GrandDaddy of online UK bookmakers - and are now offering a free bet of £25 on a cash match basis. To claim this offer simply open an account, place a bet and they will credit your account after your first bet - up to £25.

• Open an account with William Hill
• Place a bet of £10 or more
• William Hill will credit your account with up to £25 as a free bet
• If you only have a bet of £24.99 you will only receive a free bet of £10.

£25 Memorial Tournament Free Bet at William Hill William Hill Review

Memorial Tournament Winners

The Memorial Tournament has been won by some of the most famous names in golf, with Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Greg Norman all claiming the title at some stage. Tiger Woods, however, is the most successful player in the history of the Memorial Tournament, having won the title three years in a row between 1999 and 2001.