What happened last year at the Memorial Tournament after dramatic play-off at Muirfield Village

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The 2024 Memorial Tournament is almost upon us – and a high-quality field has descended on Muirfield Village Golf Club for the signature event.

Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy are the favourites ahead of Jack Nicklaus’ event as the world’s best fine-tune their games for the upcoming U.S. Open.

It promises to be an enthralling week in Dublin – and if the Memorial is anything like the 2023 edition, the golfing world is in for a treat.

After Viktor Hovland and Denny McCarthy tied on seven under par, an enthralling play-off took place – and here’s precisely what happened.

Viktor Hovland v Denny McCarthy 2023 Memorial play-off

McCarthy’s five on his 72nd hole meant the 2023 Memorial entered a play-off, with both players heading back to the 18th tee.

Hovland was first to go, pulling his drive slightly, a shot which ended up just in the first cut of rough.

The American was next. Seemingly wilting under pressure, McCarthy pushed his shot right into the thick rough, with his ball disappearing in Muirfield’s deep grass. However, the 31-year-old managed to muscle his approach shot to the front of the green, leaving a long pitch shot to get up and down.

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Hovland produced a similar shot but managed to keep his ball on the front of the green, leaving a monstrous putt for birdie.

McCarthy’s third shot was clipped nicely off the turf but finished up 15 feet from the pin and presented Hovland an opportunity to clinch the title. McCarthy’s par attempt skimmed the hole, leaving the Norwegian with two putts for the win.

Hovland lagged his first putt up to six feet before sinking his par attempt to secure the signature PGA Tour event.

With Hovland now back in form, the 26-year-old repeating his 2023 success at Muirfield Village wouldn’t come as a surprise.

When at his best, there are very few players who can compete with the reigning FedEx Cup champion.