Scottie Scheffler had a nail-biting day at the Memorial Tournament, but ultimately clinched his fifth PGA Tour win of the year, despite a challenging final round.
The Muirfield Village course proved daunting as only six players managed to break par. Scheffler, starting the final round four shots ahead, faced significant stress and posted his highest final-round score in nearly two years with a 2-over 74. Still, it was just enough to edge out Collin Morikawa and secure the victory.
Despite never losing the lead, Scheffler felt the pressure, particularly on the back nine where saving par was a strenuous task. The day culminated on the 18th hole, where both Scheffler and Morikawa’s approaches bounced into the rough. Both chipped to about 5 feet, and Scheffler’s successful putt, followed by a forceful fist pump, sealed his win.
Adding to the day’s special moments was a celebratory handshake with tournament host Jack Nicklaus and cradling his month-old son, Bennett. “This is a tough place to close out,” Scheffler admitted. “It was a fun test of golf. I like when it gets this hard. I didn’t do a whole lot great today, but I did enough.”
Morikawa, who finished with a 71, stayed close to Scheffler’s heels after a 30-foot birdie putt on the par-3 12th hole. Adam Hadwin was also in contention until three consecutive bogeys dropped him to finish alone in third place.
Scheffler wrapped up the tournament at 8-under 280 and pocketed $4 million from the event’s $20 million purse. This win pushed his PGA Tour season earnings over $24 million, breaking his own record from last year.
The victory adds to an impressive 2024 for Scheffler, making him the first player since Justin Thomas in 2016-17 to achieve five wins in a season and the first since Tom Watson in 1980 to win five times before the U.S. Open.
Scheffler’s remarkable performance extends his streak to 11 consecutive top-10 finishes, the longest since Tiger Woods from 2007-08. The upcoming U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 sees him as a substantial favorite, riding high on his current form.
Collin Morikawa, despite finishing second, earned $2.2 million and fortified his position for the American Olympic team heading to Paris. Adam Hadwin’s third-place finish moved him ahead of Corey Conners in the race for the second Canadian Olympic spot.
Scheffler’s critical moments included a crucial birdie putt on the sixth hole and a significant 15-foot par putt on the par-3 16th that established a two-shot lead over Morikawa. Though dropping a shot on the 17th, he managed to hold the lead through the final hole.
Scheffler’s 11th career PGA Tour win, and 12th worldwide, stands as a testament to his adaptability and skill in various competitive scenarios. This latest triumph adds to his collection of significant victories, including events at Bay Hill, Hilton Head, The Players Championship, and his second Masters green jacket.
Scottie Scheffler’s win at the Memorial Tournament highlights his resilience and adaptability under pressure. With a record-breaking season and a solid performance leading into the U.S. Open, Scheffler’s remarkable year continues to captivate the golf world.
Source: Espn
