Jack Nicklaus Gets His Wish: Memorial Tournament Returns to Traditional Date in 2025

Jack Nicklaus Gets His Wish: Memorial Tournament Returns to Traditional Date in 2025

The Memorial Tournament, one of golf’s signature events, has seen its share of scheduling upheavals, but the Golden Bear’s voice has once again proven powerful. Jack Nicklaus, the tournament host and 18-time major champion, expressed discontent with the event’s placement immediately before the U.S. Open this year. Both Nicklaus and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler found the timing less than ideal.

Nicklaus, known for his influential presence in the golf world, didn’t have to wait long to see a change. His wish for the Memorial Tournament to return to its traditional date, the week following Memorial Day, has been granted. The tournament will now be held two weeks prior to the U.S. Open in 2025. The RBC Canadian Open is expected to take the slot the week before the U.S. Open.

In a recent statement, Nicklaus detailed the decision-making process: “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.”

Nicklaus, 84, acknowledged that he initially agreed to the date switch to support the PGA Tour’s scheduling changes, which aimed to accommodate its $20 million signature events, including the Memorial. However, the adjustment clashed with his own preferences. He remarked, “It went against my own personal preference because the tournament was being staged during a week in which I’d never have played.”

Scottie Scheffler, the reigning champion of the Memorial Tournament, echoed Nicklaus’s sentiments. After winning the Memorial, Scheffler struggled at the U.S. Open, attributing his lackluster performance to the intense demands of the preceding week. “I think in terms of prep work for a week that I know is going to be as tough as this, I’m leaning going forward to maybe not playing the week before,” Scheffler admitted. He highlighted the challenges of playing at “Jack’s place,” a demanding course that requires significant effort.

With the Memorial Tournament returning to its traditional date, Scheffler and other top players won’t face this scheduling conflict next year, allowing them better preparation time for the U.S. Open.

In the broader context, the PGA Tour Policy Board is considering additional adjustments to its signature events. Notably, Rory McIlroy’s withdrawal from the Travelers Championship, which left the field with 71 players and no reserve, has sparked discussions about ensuring a minimum of 72 players in such events.

The changes reflect ongoing efforts to balance the demands of top-tier golf tournaments, the needs of players, and the interests of sponsors. As the Memorial Tournament reclaims its preferred date, the golf community looks forward to a more traditional and potentially less strenuous schedule for its participants.