Scottie Scheffler is on the brink of making history at Muirfield. Eyeing a three-peat at the coveted Memorial Tournament that began on June 4, the World No.1 will face off against World No.2 Rory McIlroy and many others, who will try to stop him.

For the past two years, Scheffler has been unstoppable at the event in memory of the golf legend Jack Nicklaus. On the other hand, McIlroy has struggled to find his rhythm at a course which, on paper, is the best-suited for him.

Reflecting on his Memorial Tournament experience, McIlroy said, "I haven't quite figured it out yet. It's frustrated me over my career. But hopefully this is the week that I put it all together." 

This week, McIlroy will make his 14th appearance at the Memorial Tournament’s 50th anniversary. Last year, the Irishman had skipped the event, and two years back, he had finished T15, ten shots behind Scheffler.

The 37-year-old has recorded five top-10 finishes at Muirfield Village, including a career-best tied-fourth finish in 2016. Muirfield is a long course, and for one of the best drivers on the PGA Tour, it should’ve been an ideal venue. 

“The fairways pinch in right around the spots where I would be finishing driver. So it’s frustrated me in a way that I feel like my biggest weapon is in some way neutralized here,” said McIlroy.

On the other hand, Scheffler has been on a roll lately at Muirfield. Achieving the three-peat would make him the second player to reach that feat, after the great Tiger Woods. 

"I would say my mind has always been one of my biggest strengths," Scheffler said. "... In golf, you can be the guy who hits it the furthest and hits it the straightest, but you've got to figure out a way to get that ball in the hole, and some days it's a lot easier than other times." 

Let's find out what the founder of the event, Jack Nicklaus, had to say about Scheffler's three-peat chances.

Jack Nicklaus On Scheffler Completing The Three-Peat

Nicklaus has always been fond of Scheffler’s game. In back-to-back seasons, the Golden Bear has handed over his event's trophy to the World No.1.

“No, it wouldn't surprise me in the least,” said Nicklaus, when asked whether Scheffler could achieve the three-peat. 

Scheffler has been extremely consistent this season but has crossed the line just once, at The American Express. He has finished as a runner-up three times this season. 

“Well, I think that Scottie plays a lot with his head. He's a smart golfer. He doesn't try to do anything more than Scottie Scheffler can do, which is what most golfers should do." Nicklaus added.

The World No.1 and 2 will go head-to-head at Muirfield, hoping to come out on top at the ceremonial Jack Nicklaus event.

Do you think Scheffler will be able to complete the three-peat at the Memorial Tournament? Share your opinion in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Souvik Roy