The Memorial Tournament returns to Muirfield Village Golf Club this week with Scottie Scheffler looking to defend his title against one of the strongest fields on the PGA Tour. Hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the annual event in Dublin, Ohio, has become one of the most anticipated stops on the schedule, combining a challenging course, elite competition and a significant financial reward for the winner.
The 2026 edition runs from June 4 through June 7 and features many of the sportâs biggest names, including Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Ă berg, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay and Jason Day. With a $20 million purse and $4 million awaiting the champion, the opening round already carries added importance as players look to establish momentum before the weekend.
Scheffler arrives as the defending champion and betting favorite after another strong season. The world No. 1 has consistently excelled on demanding layouts, and Muirfield Village’s emphasis on precision ball-striking and course management suits his game. However, he faces a field loaded with major champions and proven contenders capable of challenging him throughout the week.
How to Watch the Memorial Tournament Round 1
Fans will have multiple viewing options on Thursday. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ begins coverage at 7:45 a.m. ET, providing access to featured groups, marquee groups and live tournament action throughout the morning. Television coverage shifts to Golf Channel from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
The tournament can also be streamed through services that carry Golf Channel and CBS, including YouTube TV, Fubo and Paramount+. Similar broadcast arrangements have been used across several PGA Tour signature events this season, including the 2026 American Express TV schedule and streaming guide.
According to the official Memorial Tournament broadcast schedule, Golf Channel will handle coverage during the first two rounds before CBS joins the weekend broadcast lineup.
Featured Groups and Tee Times Draw Attention
Thursdayâs lineup includes several high-profile pairings expected to attract significant viewership. One of the earliest featured groups sees local favorite Jason Day tee off at 8:05 a.m. ET alongside Jordan Spieth. Day’s Ohio connection always generates additional interest whenever the Memorial returns to Muirfield Village.
Later in the morning, Cameron Young and Tommy Fleetwood begin their rounds at 10:10 a.m. ET before Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas headline one of the most anticipated pairings of the day at 10:25 a.m. ET. Both players enter the tournament with strong resumes and the ability to contend on demanding championship courses.
The afternoon wave is equally compelling. Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Ă berg tee off at 1:25 p.m. ET, followed by Scheffler and Aaron Rai at 1:35 p.m. ET. Those groups will move directly into the Golf Channel television window, making them among the most watched pairings of Round 1.
Other notable tee times include Hideki Matsuyama and Andrew Novak at 9:10 a.m. ET, Shane Lowry and Sungjae Im at 9:30 a.m. ET, Akshay Bhatia and Sam Burns at 9:40 a.m. ET, Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler at 10 a.m. ET, Taylor Pendrith and Tony Finau at 11:25 a.m. ET, Gary Woodland and Patrick Cantlay at 1:05 p.m. ET, and Russell Henley with Matt Fitzpatrick at 1:15 p.m. ET.
Scheffler Leads a Competitive Betting Field
Sportsbooks have installed Scheffler as the clear favorite at +300 entering the week. Rory McIlroy follows at +950, while Cameron Young is listed at +1400. Ludvig Ă berg and Xander Schauffele each sit at +1600, reflecting the depth of talent assembled in Dublin.
Matt Fitzpatrick, Si Woo Kim, Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley are also among the players receiving attention from bettors. Given the course’s reputation for rewarding complete golfers, many analysts expect experience and consistency to play a significant role over four rounds.
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Muirfield Village has long been known for testing every aspect of a playerâs game. Accurate approach shots, disciplined course management and strong putting performances are often required to stay in contention. That challenge is one reason the Memorial continues to attract many of the world’s best golfers year after year.
As Round 1 begins, the focus remains on whether Scheffler can successfully start another title run or if a challenger such as McIlroy, Schauffele, Ă berg or Thomas can seize an early advantage. With marquee groups spread throughout the day and millions of dollars on the line, the 2026 Memorial Tournament is positioned to deliver one of the PGA Tour’s most compelling weeks of the season.
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