On June 4, the world’s best golfers will assemble at the famed Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio for the 2015 staging of the Memorial Tournament. All eyes will be on reigning Masters champion Jordan Spieth as he seeks to win his first ever title here in Jack Nicklaus’ place.
Spieth may be the overwhelming favorite in this event but a host of other golfers are ready to prove their mettle and show that they can stand toe-to-toe with one of the world’s best. Read on below as we highlight three players who we think will be great sleeper picks to win this week. While you’re at it, you can check out our complete preview of this prestigious tournament here.
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2015 The Memorial Tournament Sleeper Picks and Predictions
[sc:Golf240banner ]Hideki Matsuyama (+1,800) captured the imagination of sports fans everywhere with a stunning victory at the Memorial Tournament last year. He shot a three-under-69 in the final round to force a playoff where he eventually outlasted Kevin Na. It was a remarkable victory for Matsuyama who became the first player in the tournament’s history to birdie the closing hole at Muirfield Village four straight rounds.
The Japanese star has carried that excellent form into this season, finishing in the top-5 in four of his 11 starts including a tie for fifth at Augusta last April. He is second only to Jordan Spieth in top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour this season, already recording seven this campaign.
Key to his superb start this season is his excellent play from tee to green. He is second in the PGA Tour in strokes gained from tee to green with a solid 1.718 average. That will prove crucial when dealing with the tough course set-up here at Muirfield Village.
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Matt Kuchar
Another golfer who loves competing here at the Memorial is veteran Matt Kuchar. The 36-year-old will be returning to Muirfield Village Golf Club for a 10th time. During this period, the American has recorded five top-10 efforts, finishing T-15, first and T-2 (2011) in his last three starts.
Kuchar is coming off a successful 2013–14 PGA Tour season with 11 top-10 finishes and his seventh career Tour title at the RBC Heritage. He has continued his excellent play this year, recording three top-5 finishes over 13 events, including a runner-up finish at the Humana Challenge and a tie for third at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
That lethal combination of form and experience will be a huge advantage for Kuchar (+2,200) heading into the Memorial Tournament this week.
Adam Scott
One golfer who’s primed to end his winless streak at Memorial this week is Adam Scott. The Australian has posted three top-10 finishes at Muirfield Village in his career and has a tournament scoring average of 71.56. He matched his best finish in this event last year, ending up in a tie for fourth, a feat he first accomplished back in 2006. He was poised to grab a victory here last year but a double-bogey on the 12th hole on Sunday doomed his title chances.
One of Scott’s major weapons heading into this event is his phenomenal driving. He is 10th in the PGA Tour in driving distance, averaging 304.5 yards per drive. That will come in handy when tackling the long 7,392-yard, par-72 Muirfield Village course.
