Jack Nicklaus Shades PGA Tour Stars Amid Scottie Scheffler's Win
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Scottie Scheffler once again proved why he's the world's best, defending his Memorial Tournament title with a dominant performance.
His final-round 70 secured a four-shot victory over Ben Griffin, with Sepp Straka and Nick Taylor finishing third and fourth respectively. That made Scheffler the first player since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back editions of the event.
DUBLIN, OHIO - JUNE 01: Jack Nicklaus congratulates Scottie Scheffler of the United States after Scheffler won the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 01, 2025 in Dublin,...
DUBLIN, OHIO - JUNE 01: Jack Nicklaus congratulates Scottie Scheffler of the United States after Scheffler won the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 01, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio. (Photo by) More
Getty Images
At Muirfield Village, Scheffler showed why he's nearly unstoppable, outclassing the competition with his precise ball-striking and a short game that bailed him out of early struggles.
Watching it all unfold was Jack Nicklaus, a long-time admirer of Scheffler's style and host of the Memorial.
The 18-time major champion, known for his fade-shot mastery, has often drawn parallels between his own game and Scheffler's technique.
And after witnessing Scheffler's clinical finish, Nicklaus had high praise for the champion, though it came with a not-so-subtle jab at other contenders.
"I think that great players are ones who rise to the occasion. And ones who know how to play are coming down the stretch for important events," Nicklaus remarked.
"Looking at the leaderboard today... I mean, Ben Griffin's a nice player, Sepp Straka is a nice player, Nick Taylor is a nice player. Those are all the guys that were there, basically coming down the stretch. But he [Scottie Scheffler] knows those guys are not in his league."
"Ben Griffin's a nice player, Sepp Straka is a nice player, Nick Taylor is a nice player ... [Scottie Scheffler] knows those guys are not in his league."
Jack Nicklaus did not hold back. pic.twitter.com/jgZbeNJU74 — GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 2, 2025
Nicklaus drew a clear line between Scheffler and the others, suggesting that true champions handle pressure differently. He even hinted that if Xander Schauffele had been in contention, Scheffler might have had to dig deeper for the win.
Ben Griffin Making a Case he Belongs?
For Ben Griffin, the sting of defeat was undeniable. Griffin had been riding a wave of confidence heading into the final round—especially after winning the Charles Schwab Challenge just days earlier.
And he wasn't shy about his ambitions before Sunday's showdown.
"Obviously, Scottie Scheffler's the best player in the world, but No. 1 can be beat," Griffin stated confidently.
But as the final round played out, Griffin couldn't keep up with Scheffler's steady dominance. His three-putt bogey on the fourth hole widened the gap, and despite a brief comeback with an eagle at 15, Griffin slipped with late bogeys, allowing Scheffler to coast to victory.
Afterwards, Griffin admitted his disappointment, reflecting on the lessons learned.
"I'm definitely a little disappointed to not have made it a little bit closer or got it done. I'll learn from some of my swings down the stretch, I'll remember some of the good stuff, and I'll bounce back."
DUBLIN, OHIO - MAY 30: Ben Griffin of the United States reacts after making par on the fourth green during the second round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf...
DUBLIN, OHIO - MAY 30: Ben Griffin of the United States reacts after making par on the fourth green during the second round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 30, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio. (Photo by) More
Getty Images
Yet, Griffin remains determined, especially with Ryder Cup selections looming.
"I don't want to be on a Ryder Cup team just to be on a Ryder Cup team. I want to be a stone-cold killer who's trying to beat the European team and win points... I'm there right now mentally, and I can do it."
While Griffin couldn't take down Scheffler this time, his confidence suggests he'll be back for another shot. But for now, Jack Nicklaus has made it clear—Scottie Scheffler is playing in a league of his own!
More Golf: US Women's Open: Lexi Thompson Fires Back amid Slow Play Controversy
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Golf Fan POV Video of Jordan Spieth Nearly Taking His Head off Surfaces
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jordan Spieth performed excellently at the 2025 Memorial Tournament, finishing tied for 7th with a score of 1-under. However, it wasn't his result that made headlines this weekend. As usual, the three-time major champion faced several challenging situations during the tournament, including a moment when Spieth hit a shot just over the heads of several spectators. Video of the moment quickly went viral throughout the golf world. If the point of view of the television broadcast was frightening, it was even more so from the perspective of the fans in attendance. Video footage showing the spectators' view of the play has also surfaced, revealing the tremendous danger involved. A user identified as MCondon posted the video on X. The footage shows fans deep in the rough, right at the edge of the fairway, and Spieth hitting the ball directly toward them at a height that could easily have hit someone's head. Guy I was with was. Here's his POV — MCondon (@Marc_Condon) June 2, 2025 In a later post, McCondon stated that the fans were deeper into the fairway but that Spieth had asked them to move back. Nevertheless, this wasn't enough, and the now-famous situation arose. The play occured at the 490-yard par-4 hole 1 of the Muirfield Village Golf Club. As is also common for him, Spieth ended up making par on the hole. During the Memorial Tournament, the 31-year-old carded rounds of 72, 69, 72, and 74. This earned him his fourth top-10 finish of the season. Spieth has played in 14 events in 2025, making 12 cuts. His best finish of the year has been fourth place, which he has achieved twice, at the WM Phoenix Open and the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Jordan Spieth of the United States plays a shot during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 01, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio. Jordan Spieth of the United States plays a shot during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 01, 2025 in Dublin, notable result was his tie for 14th place at the Masters Tournament. However, he missed the cut at two relevant events: the Genesis Invitational and the PGA Championship. This was also his fourth top-10 finish in 13 Memorial Tournament appearances. His best result at Muirfield Village has been a tie for third place in 2015. His results this season keep him ranked 45th in the world, earning him a spot in next week's U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. However, he is also qualified because he won the title in 2015. More Golf: Max Homa Ditches Caddie amid Carrying Own Bag at Painful US Open Qualifier
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Max Homa Lands Tiger Woods' Former Caddie at RBC Canadian Open
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. This week's RBC Canadian Open is a pivotal moment for Max Homa's season, as it's his last chance to qualify for the U.S. Open. If he doesn't have an outstanding performance at TPC Toronto, he will miss the season's third major for the first time since 2020. Acknowledging the importance of having an experienced caddie in situations like this and having recently lost his own, Homa reached out to one of the best available options. Lance Bennett, who has worked with Tiger Woods and Matt Kuchar, among others, was the one he called. Golfweek's Adam Schupak reported this information and other caddie-related moves on the PGA Tour through his X account: "Word from the caddie yard: Max Homa will have Lance Bennett on the bag this week," Schupak posted. "Bennett was working for Michael Thorbjornsen but Thor hired JJ Jakovac as his full-time caddie. If you're scoring at home, JJ had been on Collin Morikawa's bag until Joe Greiner left Max for him." Word from the caddie yard: Max Homa will have Lance Bennett on the bag this week. Bennett was working for Michael Thorbjornsen but Thor hired JJ Jakovac as his full-time caddie. If you're scoring at home, JJ had been on Collin Morikawa's bag until Joe Greiner left Max for him. 🤯 — Adam Schupak (@AdamSchupak) June 3, 2025 Since 2003, Lance Bennett has gained experience on both the PGA and LPGA Tours. Matt Kuchar has been his longest-standing employer, but he has also worked with stars such as Sungjae Im and Davis Riley on the men's side and with Juli Inkster, Paula Creamer, and Lorena Ochoa among the ladies. Bennett worked with Woods in all five tournaments he played in during the 2024 season: the Genesis Invitational, the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship. The 15-time major champion said he has a good rapport with the veteran caddie: "As far as Lance is concerned, I've had a great relationship with him over the years going back to when he caddied for Kooch [Matt Kuchar] and when we played at the Presidents Cup together back in, what, Muirfield Village [2013], Woods said, according to "Very down to earth, very loyal, and how he conversed through the years, I've also taken notice of that," he added. "We've had the same type of feeling in how we look at the golf course and how we read putts. They're very similar." Max Homa of the United States plays a shot from the 18th tee during the third round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 31, 2025 in... Max Homa of the United States plays a shot from the 18th tee during the third round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 31, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio. MoreMax Homa parted ways with his caddie, Bill Harke, just before the final qualifier for the US Open last Monday in Columbus, Ohio. Homa was reportedly the only player carrying his own bag at the event. The six-time PGA Tour winner ultimately failed to earn a spot at Oakmont through the qualifier, leaving the RBC Canadian Open as his last hope. More Golf: US Open: High School Junior Shoots 63-63 to Earn Spot at Oakmont
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Lewis Hamilton Hits Rock Bottom After Spanish GP
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton appeared dejected after the Spanish Grand Prix, which he described as his "worst race" ever. Despite making key gains in the opening laps, a slow pit stop and challenges with his Ferrari SF-25 Formula One car led him to finish the race in P6. Hamilton started the race in P5, while his teammate Charles Leclerc, who started seventh on the grid, secured a podium finish in third. Mid-race, the Briton was heard complaining on the radio about the lack of rear grip on his car, and running on used tires in the final stage of the race made matters worse. The 44-year-old driver hasn't had what one would call a smooth start to his F1 journey with Ferrari, and the post-race interview in Barcelona highlighted the gravity of the situation. When asked by the media if the final stint on used tires put him in a helpless situation, Hamilton said: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari answers questions in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari answers questions in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain."Everyone was on the same tires." When asked about his car's pace, he refrained from saying anything. Regarding questions about the lack of rear grip and if that bothered him until the end of the race, Hamilton said: "For half of the race." When he was asked if the second stint was better, or if other drivers were managing it better, he said: "I have no idea why you'd say that." "That was the worst race I've experienced," he added. "Ever." Hamilton went on to admit that there were "zero" positives to take from the weekend. The former Mercedes driver preferred to remain silent when asked if he was going to work with his team on the simulator and if he was hopeful about the upcoming Grand Prix in Canada. Hamilton decided to end the questions after he was asked how he could build on the situation, considering the marginal progress at Imola and Monaco. He said: "I'm going to head off, guys." He later told Sky Sports F1, "I've just had a terrible day. I don't know what to say." Hamilton's concerns were heard over the team radio after he had crossed the chequered flag. Speaking to his race engineer Riccardo Adami, he said: "I believe we've got something wrong with this car, mate. It's the worst it's ever been."
