There are a lot of big sporting events in Ohio. Ohio State football, obviously. Opening Day for the Guardians and Reds. But if you’re even remotely into golf (or just enjoy walking around a beautiful place), The Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio is in a league of its own.
This isn’t just another PGA Tour stop. This is the tournament that Jack built… literally and figuratively. It’s widely considered the most prestigious event on the PGA Tour outside of the four majors and The Players Championship. In other words, this is about as big as it gets without a green jacket being involved.
Let’s get into everything you need to know before you go.
What Makes The Memorial Tournament Such a Big Deal?
First off, the money is very real.
We’re talking a $20 million purse, with $4 million going to the winner. Not bad for a weekend stroll… if your version of a stroll includes threading a 3-iron between two trees the size of telephone poles.
It’s also a PGA Tour Signature Event, which basically guarantees a stacked field. The best players in the world show up to this event every year. We’re talking Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Collin Morikawa to name a few.
But beyond the talent, this tournament just feels different.
It was inspired by The Masters, and you can tell. From the presentation to the course conditions, everything is dialed in to an almost obsessive level. It’s polished without feeling stuffy, which is a tough balance to strike. The grounds crew at Muirfield Village Golf Club, where The Memorial is played, is best-in-class, and the tournament is where they shine.
Muirfield Village: The Star of the Show
Let’s be honest. The course is the main character here.
Muirfield Village Golf Club was designed by Columbus’ own Jack Nicklaus, and it’s consistently ranked as one of the best courses in the world. It’s gone through multiple renovations over the years, most recently in 2020, which is believed to be Nicklaus’ final major tweak to the course.
And it shows.
The fairways are perfect. The greens are fast enough to ruin your confidence just by looking at them. And the whole place has that Augusta-inspired vibe that makes you feel like you should probably whisper, even outside.
It’s Not Just Golf… It’s Columbus Showing Off
One of the coolest parts about The Memorial Tournament is that it’s not just about golf.
The event is largely run by volunteers, and proceeds go to local charities, with Nationwide Children’s Hospital being a major beneficiary. So while you’re out there watching the best golfers in the world, you’re also supporting something that actually matters in the community.
That’s a pretty solid combo.
2026 Memorial Tournament Schedule (What to Know Before You Go)
Here’s a breakdown of the week so you can plan accordingly:
Monday, June 1 – Wednesday, June 3 (Practice Rounds)
- Gates open at 8:00 AM (Wednesday opens earlier at 6:30 AM)
- You can buy single-day tickets for these days (more on that below)
Highlights:
- Family Night at Safari Golf Club (Monday at 6 PM) Food, drinks, games, zoo animals (yes, actual zoo animals), and a golf exhibition with PGA Tour pros. Pretty wild combo, but it works.
Wednesday, June 3 (Sneaky One of the Best Days to Go)
- Gates open at 6:30 AM
- Salute to Service Day (honoring military, veterans, and first responders)
Also happening:
- Junior Golf Day (kids 15 and under get in free all week)
- Workday Golden Bear Pro-Am (7:00 AM)
- Memorial Honoree Ceremony (1:30 PM)
- Tournament Tailgate (3:30 PM)
If you want a full experience without the weekend chaos, this is your day.
Thursday, June 4 (Round 1)
- Gates open at 7:00 AM
Friday, June 5 (Round 2 + Fore!Fest)
- Gates open at 7:00 AM
- Fore!Fest at Bridge Park (5 PM – 10 PM) Think street festival meets live music… plus a drone show!
Saturday, June 6 (Round 3 + Fore!Fest Continues)
- Gates open at 8:00 AM
- Fore!Fest runs from 5 PM – 11 PM
Sunday, June 7 (Final Round + Trophy Presentation)
- Gates open at 8:00 AM
- Trophy Presentation after play
- Play Yellow Sunday (wear yellow to support the Nicklaus’ Play Yellow initiative)
Tickets (Read This Before You Get Too Excited)
Here’s the one thing that trips people up every year:
You cannot buy single-day tickets for tournament rounds (Thursday through Sunday).
But…
You can buy one-day tickets for the practice rounds (Monday through Wednesday).
If you’re trying to keep things a little more low-key (and usually more affordable), practice rounds are honestly a great move, and you often can get better views of the players (and the course) on these days.
You can grab tickets here, and to get all the nitty-gritty details, check out the Memorial Tournament’s full website here.
I’m Biased, But the Memorial Rocks
Even if you’re not a die-hard golf fan, The Memorial Tournament is worth checking out at least once.
World-class golf. A ridiculous course. Community impact. And a week full of events that go way beyond just watching people hit a small white ball way better than you ever could.
Not a bad way to spend a few days outside.
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