The PGA Tour is making a stop at Dublin, Ohio, for the 2021 Memorial Tournament. The annual event is back to entertain golf fans as the best players in the world are all set to participate in the prestigious tournament founded by Jack Nicklaus. So who are the early favorites to emerge as the champion this year? 

There are so many contenders who have a real chance this year. Of course, the event will be played at the historic Muirfield Village Golf Club designed by Jack Nicklaus and Desmond Muirhead, and it has undergone serious renovations ahead of the 2021 Memorial Tournament. 

Jon Rahm is the defending champion, and the Spainard would be wary of the challenge when it comes to putting his title on the line. A total of 121 golfers including Rahm will eye the big prize this year, and it would be interesting to see which player reigns supreme after four rounds. 

Winning the Memorial Tournament is no easy task. Ask Tiger Woods. He’s done it five different times, but the Muirfield Village course is a tough layout to master. Renovations to change the greens began even before Jon Rahm made his winning putt in 2020; that’s the commitment of Jack Nicklaus in making the tournament competitive as the years progress.

Top five picks to win the 2021 Memorial Tournament

The 2021 field boasts several major winners and three of them who currently hold a major championship. There’s plenty of experience to graze through and here are the five players who are expected to register a strong performance at Muirfield Village this year:

5. Louis Oosthuizen: The 38-year-old South African has been in terrific form of late. Achieved his fifth runner-up finish at majors at the 2021 PGA Championship. Leads the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained: Putting, and is a regular competitor at the Memorial Tournament.

4. Collin Morikawa: Morikawa did not find success at the PGA Championship, but always has the ability to deliver big. Won the 2020 Workday Charity Open at Muirfield Village and his striking prowess always factors up as a positive on any golf course.

3. Jordan Spieth: Spieth is having a resurgent season, no doubt. Has already amassed eight Top 10 finishes this season and looks confident with his game. Excellent putting game will be of great advantage at the tricky Muirfield Village course.

2. Bryson DeChambeau: The longest striker of the ball from the tee this season. DeChambeau won the 2018 Memorial with a score of 15-under par and certainly knows his way around the course. Has a solid chance to bring up his third title of the season at this event.

1. Jon Rahm: The defending champion of the Memorial Tournament is yet to win an event this season. Nevertheless, Rahm has been the most consistent player on the tour, and the elusive title of the year might fall into hands at the Jack Nicklaus tournament. 

Read More: Where Is the Memorial Tournament Played? Get to Know Everything About the Muirfield Village Golf Club