Majors dominate the headlines and rightly so because of their history.
But on both the PGA and now the DP World Tour, certain stops and tournaments have always captured the imagination.
This week is a case in point as we head to ‘Jack’s Place’.
The Memorial at Muirfield, the home of Nicklaus, is always a special week and a tournament you want on your CV.
Rory McIlroy is chasing a maiden win there and a victory would give him a real sense of confidence and momentum ahead of the US Open.
Like everyone teeing it up, there’ll be an added sense of anticipation for Rory playing at such an iconic venue.
There’ll also be a looming sense of pressure with the FedEx Cup play-offs lurking on the horizon. Time to deliver if you want to be part of the end-of-season equation.
On paper, McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth are this week’s favourites, but it’s impossible to predict these days because golf is such a fickle sport.
Take Sunday as an example. Scottie Scheffler had a relatively comfortable two shot lead at the Charles Schwab and the supporting cast looked dead and buried.
The World No1 looked to be cruising to a fifth tournament win of the year in his home state of Texas yet ended up losing to Sam Burns in a play-off.
Burns sliced through the field with a stunning final round at Colonial where players were confronted by an old-style test of narrow fairways and small greens.
Few would have predicted the turnaround, but maybe it’s a lot easier to perform when you’re making a late charge and winning isn’t dominating your thoughts.
Sometimes the closer you get to glory, the more precarious it can become.
Justin Thomas certainly proved at the US PGA that ignoring leaderboards and focusing on the job can be a powerful combination.
More often than not, the most attritional emotion is expectation. It can distract you and detonate your hopes.
Pressure gets to every golfer, even the best in the world, and Scheffler’s fate was a timely reminder why golf is such a fascinating sport. You can’t take anything for granted.
On a week like this, the expectation levels, scrutiny and hype are such that wire-to-wire winners are rare.
Final round leaders getting it across the line is also uncommon; Tiger excepted, of course.
Woods proved his genius in this department more than any other player while Thorbjorn Olesen holds the title as Europe’s greatest ‘closer’.
The Dane boasts a record of six wins from seven while leading from the front.
But whatever way you get it done, the name on the trophy is all that counts, particularly at ‘Jack’s place’.
Nelly’s fire in the belly
This week’s Women’s US Open sees the return of Nelly Korda.
Korda, who required surgery after suffering a blood clot in her left arm in early March, has endured a tough time off the course.
And after everything she has been through, the Olympic champion and World No2 will just be glad to be back healthy and playing again.
At any other major, Korda would be one of the hot favourites, but to hit the ground running after an enforced hiatus is a big ask.
A health scare normally alters your outlook on life. In the real world, people with everyday jobs reappraise their values, but for athletes the opposite can be the case.
When you’ve had a taste of life without your chosen sport, you become even more determined and appreciative of your career.
I suspect that will be the case for Korda.
The American, who is still only 23, is such a wonderful player and a valuable ambassador for the sport.
I’ve no doubt the LPGA Tour will welcome her back with open arms.
Something a Wie bit different
It will be an emotional week for Michelle Wie West who will sign off at this week’s US Women’s Open after deciding to step away from the sport.
Michelle, now 32, was once the up-and-coming superstar of the women’s game and it is of great credit to her that she managed to fulfill her promise.
Her CV shows five wins on the LPGA Tour, including the 2014 US Open.
She achieved so much in the sport and I wish her well in the next chapter in her life.
Two under a microscope
I’m looking forward to seeing how Stephanie Meadow and Leona Maguire perform at this week’s US Women’s Open.
Meadow, who boasts the greatest ever finish at a major by an Irish woman with a third place at the 2014 US Open, had to get there the hard way through qualifying.
Leona has also endured a bit of a slow start to the year but maybe it was to be expected following the conveyor belt of highs she enjoyed last season.
This week is a good chance for her to kick-start her season, although I was surprised to hear that she parted ways with caddy Dermot Byrne last week.
Golf is a fickle business, but Dermot made a huge difference to her career and in my opinion was a huge catalyst for her success.
Hopefully her new caddy brings some fresh vibes and helps Leona go on another run.
Pine Needles would be a good place to start.
Best bets
MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
Davis Riley - 40/1 EW
On a hot streak with a T4, fifth, T9, T13 and T4 in his last five starts.
Seamus Power - 50/1 EW
This is a big price considering recent form and a T9 at the US PGA.
Bryson DeChambeau - 66/1 EW
Outside chance and very capable despite recent hip and wrist injuries.
EUROPEAN OPEN
Matt Wallace - 33/1 EW
A T5 at last week’s Dutch Open and has room for improvement.
Julien Brun - 66/1 EW
Nice price and is showing good signs in his rookie season.
Wilco Nienaber - 100/1 EW
Big layout at the Green Eagle Golf Course should suit his length.
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