PGA Tour makes big change to schedule after Scottie Scheffler voiced concerns

The PGA Tour has confirmed a change to the date of the Memorial Tournament, which will now move back to its traditional time slot in 2025 rather than being the week before the U.S. Open

PGA Tour Reschedules Memorial Tournament After Scottie Scheffler’s Concerns

In a significant shift, the PGA Tour has announced that the Memorial Tournament will return to its traditional slot in 2025, rather than being held the week before the U.S. Open. This change comes in response to concerns voiced by World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who experienced difficulties at this year’s U.S. Open after winning the Memorial Tournament shortly before the major at Pinehurst.

Scheffler, who finished tied for 41st at Pinehurst, acknowledged the challenge of preparing for the U.S. Open immediately after the Memorial Tournament. Reflecting on his experience, Scheffler said, “As far as prep for this week, it may not have been the best, but I knew what my schedule was at the beginning of the year. I feel like going forward, I’ll maybe do things a little bit differently in the weeks leading up to majors, especially when you know it’s going to be a challenging setup at a U.S. Open.”

The official announcement from the Memorial Tournament’s website emphasized the cooperative relationship between the event and the PGA Tour. “The relationship the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday has enjoyed with the PGA TOUR is more like a partnership. The TOUR has acted in the best interest of the Memorial Tournament, and we, in turn, have always supported the TOUR and its initiatives,” the statement read.

The statement further explained the decision-making process: “That is why a year ago when the TOUR presented us its new business model, we were willing to work with them and move the 2024 date to a week before the U.S. Open. Over recent months, we have had a number of conversations with Jay Monahan and his team—ones that have included our presenting sponsor Workday and Co-Founder and Executive Chair Aneel Bhusri—and together we determined that in the best interest of the Memorial Tournament, the TOUR and its players, we would return to our traditional date and start Tournament week on the Memorial Day holiday.”

Scheffler, who had been the favorite for the tournament in North Carolina after a season of dominance, including a Masters win at Augusta, didn’t quite hit his stride alongside Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy. McIlroy narrowly missed out on the title by just one shot.

Looking ahead, Scheffler remains a top contender for the upcoming majors in July, as golfers prepare to travel to Troon in Scotland for The Open.