22 June 2024 , 17:15
571
0
The PGA Tour has confirmed a shake-up in the golfing calendar, with the Memorial Tournament set to return to its traditional spot in 2025, rather than being held just before the U. S. Open.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who clinched the title this year shortly before the major at Pinehurst where he faced difficulties, finishing tied for 41st, welcomed the change, reports the Mirror US.
After his experience at Pinehurst, Scheffler remarked: "As far as prep for this week, it may not have been the best, but I knew what my schedule was at the beginning of the year. I feel like going forward, I'll maybe do things a little bit differently in the weeks leading up to majors, especially when you know it's going to be a challenging setup at a U.S. Open."
READ MORE: Bryson DeChambeau's gesture shows why LIV Golf star is so popular with fans
READ MORE: Jon Rahm's true LIV Golf feelings clear by reply to Bryson DeChambeau question
The official announcement on the Memorial Tournament's website highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the event and the PGA Tour: "The relationship the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday has enjoyed with the PGA TOUR is more like a partnership.
LIV Golf 2023 predictions including marquee signings and PGA Tour deadlock
"The TOUR has acted in the best interest of the Memorial Tournament, and we, in turn, have always supported the TOUR and its initiatives."
"That is why a year ago when the TOUR presented us its new business model, we were willing to work with them and move the 2024 date to a week before the U.S. Open."
Scottie Scheffler celebrating after making par on the 18th green to win the Memorial Tournament (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)The statement continued: "Over recent months, we have had a number of conversations with Jay Monahan and his team ones that have included our presenting sponsor Workday and Co-Founder and Executive Chair Aneel Bhusri and together we determined that in the best interest of the Memorial Tournament, the TOUR and its players, we would return to our traditional date and start Tournament week on the Memorial Day holiday."
Scheffler, who had been tipped as the favourite for the tournament in North Carolina after a season of dominance, including a Masters win at Augusta, didn't quite hit his stride alongside Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, with McIlroy narrowly missing out on the title by just one shot.
The world number one is likely to remain the favorite for the upcoming majors in July, with golfers set to travel to Troon in Scotland for The Open.