It’s time for a big, big, big golf tournament this week when the Memorial Tournament tees off at the Muirfield Village. The best golfers in the world will head to one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour. While the likes of Rory McIlroy spice up the field, the past few winners have actually been the lesser known names.
Former champions like David Lingmerth and Hideki Matsuyama should pose some challenge against their more heralded peers. Read on as we take a look at the long shots and best value picks heading into this week’s big PGA Tour card. For more on the Memorial Tournament, check out our complete preview as well as our sleeper predictions.
The Memorial Tournament Long Shots and Best Value Picks Predictions and Preview
David Lingmerth
David Lingmerth outlasted Justin Rose in a three-hole playoff to win the 2015 Memorial Tournament. It was the first PGA Tour title of his career. He was bogey-free over his final 11 holes, scoring a 69 in the fourth round to book his spot in the playoff.
Lingmerth holed a 10-foot putt to match pars with Rose on the 18th on the first extra hole. He got up-and-down from a bunker on the 18th to extend the playoff. He finally won at No. 10 with a putt inside five feet for par. Don’t underestimate the defending champion despite him missing the cut in two of his last four tournaments on tour.
Ernie Els
Ernie Els is ancient at the age of 46 years old. But he still holds one hell of a shot with 68 professional wins on his resume. Els last won the Memorial Tournament in 2004, hitting an 18-under par 270. He finished four strokes ahead of second placer Fred Couples. He last won a PGA Tour title in 2012. He’s shown that he still has the stuff when he’s hot after winning the 2012 British Open.
Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki Matsuyama is another former champion making his way to the Muirfield Village for the Memorial Tournament. He won in 2014, with a 13-under 275. He defeated Kevin Na in a playoff for his first ever PGA Tour title. Matsuyama has been hot recently with five straight top 20s, including three top 10s, in his last five tournaments.
