'Comeback' Woods "Career 83 Wins GO~"... What About 'Hulk' DeChambeau?

Memorial Tournament Launch, DeChambeau 'Hunting for 2 Wins', World No.1 Rory McIlroy and 'Top 5' All Assembled

The "Resurrected Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods challenges the record for the most PGA Tour wins at the Memorial Tournament.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] The 'resurrected golf emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) is back.

On the night of the 16th (Korean time), he announced his participation in the PGA Tour Memorial Tournament (total prize money $9.3 million) opening at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio (par 72, 7,456 yards). The big news is that this is his first appearance in five months since the Genesis Invitational in February. He is challenging the PGA Tour record for most wins (83 wins). 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) and world No. 1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) join the fray to stage a 'battle of the stars.'

▲ Woods: "An immortal record" = Last April, he won the Masters to claim his 15th major victory, and in October, he reached Sam Snead's (USA) all-time 82 wins by winning the Zozo Championship, which counts toward the 2020 season. This year, he warmed up with a tie for 9th place at the Farmers Open in January. It is noteworthy that he felt strain in his back during the Genesis Invitational in February and subsequently withdrew from major matches such as the Arnold Palmer and 'the 5th major' The Players Championship in March.

For Woods, the suspension of the PGA Tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic provided time to recover physically. In fact, he demonstrated his resilience by narrowly defeating Phil Mickelson (USA) by one hole in the May event 'The Match: Champions for Charity.' He expressed confidence, saying, "I have been consistently training my body through cycling and other exercises, and my physical condition has recovered to the desired level," adding, "I miss the tour."

This tournament is especially his 'winning stronghold.' He swept five titles including a three-peat from 1999 to 2001, as well as wins in 2009 and 2012. It is a special event created by the 'old golf emperor' Jack Nicklaus (USA), who modeled it after the Masters. Right after winning the Masters in 1966, he said, "I want to create another Masters," and developed a renowned course in his hometown. This is why it holds a status comparable to a major. Woods will embark on this grand journey alongside McIlroy and Brooks Koepka (USA).

'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau has embarked on a '2-win hunt' at the Memorial Tournament.

▲ DeChambeau: "Long drive experiment is ongoing" = He is the PGA Tour's predicted 'No. 1 favorite to win.' He secured his first victory of the season at the Rocket Mortgage Classic on the 6th, and above all, his consistency is impressive, having finished in the 'top 8' in seven consecutive tournaments recently. It is interesting that he has increased his body mass to achieve the longest average drive distance (323 yards). After finishing the 2019 season in September last year at 91 kg, he added 9 kg during the COVID-19 break and another 9 kg to reach a hefty 109 kg.

DeChambeau is the player Americans call the 'post-Tiger.' He caused a sensation by simultaneously winning the 2015 NCAA Division I Championship and the US Amateur, and in September 2016, he easily secured his PGA Tour card by winning the Web.com (second-tier) Tour DAP Championship. Known for his unique fashion featuring a hunting cap reminiscent of the late Payne Stewart and his radical club setup, he has now become the center of attention with his 'bulk-up.'

All of the 'top 5,' including McIlroy, Jon Rahm (Spain), Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, and Webb Simpson (all USA), are participating. Colin Morikawa (USA), winner of the Workday Charity Open, is a dark horse. He is expected to have perfect synergy with the course after defeating Thomas in a playoff at Muirfield Village on the 13th. From Korea, 2007 champion K.J. Choi (50, SK Telecom), Im Sung-jae (22), Kang Sung-hoon (33), An Byeong-hun (29), and Kim Si-woo (25, all CJ Logistics) are competing.