Memorial Tournament: Iconic Moments That Shaped the History of Jack Nicklaus’ Signature Event
The Memorial Tournament, founded by Jack Nicklaus in 1976, has grown to become a staple in the golfing world. What started as a tribute to golf’s greats has evolved into a highly anticipated event that attracts the best players from every generation. The tournament, held at the challenging Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio, has seen its share of dramatic moments, from unexpected upsets to unforgettable shots. Here are five of the most tense and memorable moments from this iconic event.
Roger Maltbie’s Lucky Break in 1976
The inaugural Memorial Tournament was a spectacle in itself, with greats like Jack Nicklaus and Hale Irwin in the field. However, it was Roger Maltbie who stole the show. On the 17th hole of the final round, Maltbie found himself trailing Irwin by one stroke. His 4-iron shot was heading into the rough but struck the gallery rope, ricocheting onto the green and landing 20 feet from the cup. That lucky break allowed Maltbie to make par and later birdie the 18th to force a playoff. In the end, he defeated Irwin to win the first-ever Memorial Tournament, a victory that remains etched in history.
Paul Azinger’s Bunker Brilliance in 1993
In 1993, Paul Azinger was locked in a battle for the Memorial Tournament title with Payne Stewart and Corey Pavin. On the 18th hole, Azinger found himself in a bunker, waist-deep, needing to make a crucial shot to hold off his competitors. With composure and skill, he executed a perfect wedge shot that rolled onto the green and found the hole for a birdie. Azinger went on to win the tournament after Stewart missed a putt to tie the score, turning a potential error into a perfect finish.
Tiger Woods’ Iconic Chip-In in 2012
Tiger Woods, already a four-time winner at the Memorial Tournament, returned in 2012 for a highly anticipated showdown with Andres Romero and Rory Sabbatini. On the par-3 16th, Woods was in a challenging position off the tee but used his signature short game to chip the ball close to the hole, sinking a birdie. His uppercut celebration became iconic, and after another birdie on the 18th, Woods secured his fifth Memorial Tournament win, further cementing his dominance at the event.
Jack Nicklaus’ Playoff Win in 1984
One of the most dramatic moments in the Memorial Tournament came in 1984 when Jack Nicklaus faced off against Andy Bean in a nail-biting playoff. On the 17th hole of the final round, Nicklaus faced a penalty that set him back by a stroke, allowing Bean to pull even. In the playoff, Nicklaus made sure not to miss his opportunity, scoring a par to win the tournament, while Bean missed a short putt that would have forced another playoff hole. Nicklaus’ second Memorial Tournament win is a testament to his composure and skill under pressure.
Tiger Woods’ Historic Three-Peat in 2001
In 2001, Tiger Woods was aiming for a historic third consecutive Memorial Tournament win. Facing Paul Azinger, who was a former Memorial champion, Woods played an exceptional round, finishing with a record-breaking 6-under 66. Azinger struggled with a 2-over-par 74, and Woods won by 7 strokes, marking his third straight victory at the event—making him the first PGA Tour player in 21 years to win an event three years in a row. This victory added another chapter to Woods’ storied career and solidified his place in the tournament’s history.
These moments highlight the intense drama and unforgettable shots that have defined the Memorial Tournament, making it one of the most prestigious events in golf, both for its history and its connection to Jack Nicklaus’ legacy. As the tournament continues to evolve, these iconic moments will remain etched in the memories of golf fans around the world.