Memorial Tournament Announces New Date

The Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide has been rescheduled for July 13-19. The tournament usually takes place late May, early June.

“This is an unprecedented time in our world, as well as the world of sports,” said Founder and Host Jack Nicklaus. “I can’t emphasize enough the message related to doing your part by social distancing and helping our nation and world by slowing this pandemic. But while we all need to come together and be strong, we also need to be understanding and flexible. When the PGA TOUR was looking at how and when to revamp the golf calendar, the Memorial Tournament was quick to raise its hand and step up, and offer support for a new date. Like all of you, I was saddened to see tournaments and major championships postponed, and The Open Championship cancelled for 2020. But we appreciate the PGA TOUR giving the Memorial Tournament the opportunity to fill that void in the schedule with these July dates and to bring golf to Central Ohio. We were also happy to expand our field, as so many players around the world have lost opportunities to make a living. If a gesture so small can help some of them recoup their losses, we are all for it.”

Tournament organizers said the event will have fans, pending any further orders from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. The executive director recognized that the July date can’t be written in stone.

“We’re only as confident as what we know now,” said Dan Sullivan.

Sullivan said organizers are encouraged that Ohio appears to be flattening the curve of new cases of COVID-19. He said he is hopeful The Memorial could be a grand reopening of sports.

“We’re hopeful for all that, and we’ve got to look forward to something,” he said.

Sullivan said there is a plan in place to put on the tournament without fans if needed. He acknowledged that would still require about 1500 volunteers and staffers in addition to the golfers and their support teams. He said organizers are closely watching DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Health Department.

“We’re obviously going to take their lead and their direction when it comes to making that decision,” he said.

The tournament has expanded the field from 120 to 144 to give more golfers the change to play in what may be a shortened PGA season.