Memorial Tournament: Top 5 Unbelievable Tiger Woods Facts

The 2024 Memorial Tournament is near the corner, and we can’t picture its legacy without the one and only Tiger Woods. The last time he played in the coveted tournament was in 2020, where he finished T-40.

The Muirfield Village Golf Club holds memories of the feats the legend has shown in the past. Some of his historic records and achievements at the venue still stand strong, with no other golfer coming close. Here are five interesting facts about Tiger Woods at the Memorial that set him apart from the others.

1. Multiple wins without playoff challenges

After his first Masters win in 1997, Woods became a sensation in the golf world. Fast-forward to 1999, he won the Memorial Tournament for the first time. This win was part of a dominant year for Woods, as he claimed seven PGA Tour titles that year. He went on to win it four times more, totaling five victories—an impressive feat that no one else has achieved. Other than 1999, he won in 2000, 2001, 2009, and 2012. He also holds the record for most consecutive wins at the Memorial tournament.

The most unbelievable aspect is that he has never been challenged for a playoff. Woods’ mental fortitude and focus under pressure were unparalleled. He had an exceptional ability to maintain composure and execute shots when it mattered most. This can be attributed to his remarkable ability to maintain a lead after round three at the Memorial and his intense focus on constant improvement. 

2. One of his own comeback king

Considering his ability to maintain leads, one might think he led from start to finish. However, he never did. This fact adds to the list of unbelievable Memorial Tournament records, as few have accomplished such a feat. In 2009, Woods was six strokes behind the leader after 36 holes and four strokes behind after 54 holes.

Entering the final round four strokes behind, Woods shot a superb 65, which included five birdies in his last seven holes. He clinched the title with a score of 12 under par 288. His extensive experience in winning and his confidence in his abilities often gave him an edge over less experienced competitors.

Only a handful of golfers have made comebacks after 36 and 54 holes. Ray Floyd achieved the largest-ever comeback from 36 holes in 1982, overcoming a nine-stroke deficit. David Edwards won the tournament in 1992 after being five strokes behind after 54 holes. 

3. Largest victory margin for Woods

Tiger Woods holds the largest margin of victory record at Muirfield Village Golf Club. Despite it being over a decade since his last win here, he set this record during his hat-trick of wins in 2001. He was seven shots ahead of runners-up Paul Azinger and Sergio García.

During his second consecutive win in 2000, Woods became the first Memorial winner to successfully defend his title, finishing five shots clear of Ernie Els. At the time, this tied the largest victory margin set by Tom Lehman in 1994.

4. Is he the youngest winner ever?

Woods began his professional journey in 1996 and achieved three consecutive. Impressively, he became the youngest winner in 1999 at the Memorial at 23 years, 5 months, and 7 days. However, in 2014, Hideki Matsuyama broke this record, winning at 22 years, 3 months, and 7 days.

Despite his success, Woods does not rank in the top five for the fewest Memorial Tournaments played before winning. Roger Maltbie in 1976 and Hideki Matsuyama in 2012 won the event with the fewest participations. Jack Nicklaus, the founder of the Memorial Tournament, won in 1977 after just two attempts. Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm joined this elite club with their victories in 2018 and 2020, respectively.

5. Top earnings over two decades

Over two decades, Woods won five times at Muirfield Village, earning an impressive $5,410,870—the highest amount anyone has ever earned from the tournament. However, in 2023, Viktor Hovland scored a victory, earning a cool $3.6 million. He has already surpassed the earnings of the second-highest pro on the list. If Hovland manages to win again or even secure a second-place finish at Nicklaus’s event, he’ll not only be halfway to the top but will also take over Woods’s place. And he will be looking to become the first golfer since Tiger Woods to repeat the title defense at the Memorial.

As we will witness the 2024 Memorial tournament, we are reminded of the remarkable legacy Woods has built at it. It is filled with incredible achievements and records that continue to inspire golfers and fans alike. Fans will surely miss seeing him this year at Muirfield but will witness him in action a week later than it at Pinehurst, thanks to the exemption by USGA. What are your thoughts on his achievements? Share with us in the comments below!