Known locally as “The Memorial,” this isn’t just another stop on the PGA Tour. It is Jack Nicklaus’s baby. The Hall of Famer, an Ohio native, created the event to honor those who have shaped the game. He still hosts it today.
Held at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin—a suburb 20 minutes northwest of Columbus—it is a serious charitable machine. Over 50 years, the tournament has raised over $56 million. The money flows into Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and the Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s “Eat. Learn. Play.” initiative.
I went for a weekend. The event, however, drags out a full week from late May to early June. It lands the week before the U.S. Open. You get three practice rounds and a pro-am upfront, then four days of championship play. The lineup this year was brutal: Scottie Scheffler (who won the last two), Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Wyndham Clark. The amenities were as varied as the fairways.
VIP Perks and On-Course Eats
Pub 18 split its operation into separate tents for food and drinks near umbrella-covered picnic tables. The Birdie Bar on 16 offered a sunbaked row of Adirondacks facing a giant screen. Both spots had massive restroom tents—trust me, you need that.
Then there is the Pavilion on 18. Built in 1986 for VIPs next to the Member’s Club, it overlooks the 18th green. Inside, you’re looking at dining stations for sushi, garden salads, Italian rigatoni, and Wagyu sliders. Gourmet donuts and ice cream keep you going. There’s a Golden Tee game too. Outside, covered tables feature table service for drinks. Your VIP pass covers it all.
Need a break? The Champions Pavilion near the entrance has shade, a wine bar, and big screens. The Patio at Patron Village sits between the 10th and 40th greens. It has lounge seating, cornhole, and the “Bunker Challenge” for all ages. The golf shop for merchandise is right by the main gate.
Fans 21 and over could order Muirfield’s famous cocktail: the Transfusion. Vodka, grape juice, ginger ale, lime. I heard it ordered constantly. You could find this and other Memorial-specific mixes at the Patron Village, Champions Pavilion, Golden Bear Club, and the Out of Bounds Bar.
Local beers? You’d have to leave the course. Head into Dubin, which turns into a party zone after rounds end, or drive into Columbus for better craft options. Here is exactly where to go.
Fore! Fest: The Best Pre-Tournament Party
Fore! Fest is the biggest side event. It is free. It happens Friday and Saturday night at Bridge Park in downtown Dubin. Cars are banned from Bridge Park Avenue to make room for a stage and four musical acts. Headliners this year included Ian Harrison and North to Nashville.
The side streets are packed with food trucks, beverage carts, and lawn games like minigolf and Connect Four. It is dog-friendly. After dark on Friday, there was a drone light show over the river that actually stopped traffic.
If standing in the crowd isn’t your style, listen from across the street. Bridge Park is a greenway along the Scioto River. There are water features and grassy hills for picnics. You can stroll over the Dubin Link Bridge to historic downtown Dubin afterward for drinks.
Bridge Park: 6741 Longshore St., Dubin, OH 43017
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Families can hit the zoo just a stone’s throw from the course. It covers 580 acres. One of the largest zoos in the U.S., it houses 10,000+ animals across 800 species. You have the Heart of Africa, Asia Quest, and Polar Frontier regions to explore.
Buy tickets online in advance. It is $25 for adults. No gate sales. If you are a Memorial guest, you can park for free at the zoo and take a complimentary shuttle to the course.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: 4850 W. Powell Road, Powell, OH 43665
North Market
Take a short rideshare to downtown Columbus. North Market is one of the oldest indoor food markets in the country. 35 year-round vendors occupy a 150-year-old building.
You get fresh groceries, a butcher, spices, flowers. If you want lunch, taste the world here. Polish pierogies, Midwest BBQ, or a fresh oyster bar from the sea.
North Market: 59 Spruce St., Columbus, OH 43219
The Jack Nicklaus Museum
Located on the Ohio State University campus, this place is deep. Nicklaus’s wife, Barbara, never threw anything away. The result is over 2,000 pieces. You see items from his high school days, his college years, and his pro career—including six Masters trophies.
Memorabilia from The Memorial Tournament is everywhere. The highlight? A living room copied from his Florida home. Comfy couch, family photos, and a TV replaying a documentary. You can sit down and watch.
Jack Nicklaus Museum: 2355 Olentangy Road, Columbus, OH 43022
Columbus Museum of Art
After two days of sun at the Memorial, I spent Sunday in the air-conditioned halls of the museum. It is walkable from my hotel, the Hotel LeVeque.
One wing holds American contemporary and folk art. The other has European and American masters from the 1800s. Sundays are free.
I got stuck in the Cubist Room. Picasso and Juan Gris works hang on the walls. A local collector gathered them over trips to New York, then donated them. Gertrude Stein was impressed by the collection in her 1937 book. I was too.
Columbus Museum of Art: 480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43905
German Village
South of downtown, this historic area features brick sidewalks and tall trees. Stop at The Book Loft. It sits in a historic home with 32 rooms of books for all ages.
My favorite part was the courtyard running along the side. Flowering plants, water features, benches.
Across the street is 3rd & Soycamore. Local shop. House-made candles, essential oils, spa products. Perfect carry-on sizes. The scents have weird names: “Laundry,” “Tomato Plant,” “Fruit Loops.” Yes, Fruit Loops smells like the cereal. Staff say they invent them via trial and error. Name the scent based on what it reminds you of.
The Book Loft: 631 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 40206
3rd & Soycamore: 650 S. 3rd St., Columbus., OH 43209
Scioto Mile Park
I had to run it off. The 12-mile Scioto Mile Park is a 175-acre greenway along the Scioto River, just a block from my hotel.
I ran past water fountains, sculptures, and under three downtown bridges. Main Street, Rich Street, and Discovery. All with skyline views.
The water fountain and splash pad at Bicetennial Park was the highlight. Packed with kids and lounging adults. Hot day? Essential stop.
Bonus: The Columbus 10K runs Sunday morning of the tournament weekend. It starts at North Bank Park. 6.2 miles through German Village and downtown. 2027 marks the 50th year.
Scioto Mile Park: 601 Riverside Dr., Columbus, OH 41215
North High Brewery
Before Fore! Fest, I ate a blackened chicken southwest salad on their tree-shaded patio.
The signature brew is “Howl,” a wheat lager with local honey. They also make a cucumber ale. A server told me they keep running out of it. I missed out.
There is a basement bar that stays cool. Good for summer.
North High Brewery: 56 N. High Street, Dublin, OH 4017
Momo Ghar
I had Nepalese dumplings at this spot in North Market. “Momo Ghar” translates to dumpling house. The owners made Guy Fieri’s show. The doughy pillows were popular.
I mixed it up. Jhol chicken, veggie, and potato momos. All come with a tomato-based dipping sauce. I took the spicy sauce. It isn’t hot, but it made my nose run. Worth it.
Momo Ghar: 59 Spruce Street, Columbus, OH 4015
Schokko Café
Left the museum, went to Schokko Café. Grilled chicken Caesar salad and a glass of Malbec in the outdoor sculpture garden. Delightful end to an artful day.
Schokko Café: 480 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 0430
Land Grant Brewing Company
A 20-minute walk across the river from my hotel. Large outdoor beer garden with two food trucks. Canvas and umbrellas provide shade. Kids play lawn games on artificial turf.
I did a flight first. Then had a pint called “Greenskeeper Session IPA.” Golf-themed. While I sipped, dogs paraded through. One boxer mix wore a straw hat with sunflowers. Adorable.
Land Grant Brewing: 424 W. Town Street, Columbus, OH 1005
The Keep
Last meal. Hotel LeVeque’s mezzanine spot.
The restaurant keeps the hotel’s Art Deco vibe. Wood floors, large booths. But the speakeasy bar next door is the gem. Tucked in a corner, dark woods, ornate columns.
I ordered sesame-crusted tuna with fingerling potatoes in soy ginger cream sauce. Washed it down with an Aperol Spritz. Felt fancy.
Men returning from The Memorial were in the corner drinking espresso martinis in bourbon glasses. They were talking about J.T. Poston’s dramatic playoff win. I missed the playoff. But I watched the best golfers. And I ate well. I call that a two putt.
The Keep: 50 W. Broad Street, Columbus, OH .15
Where to Stay: Dubin vs. Columbus
Columbus is bigger. More walkable. Better for a base. Dubin hotels sell out a year in advance. Columbus has more options.
I stayed at Hotel LeVeque. Marriott Autograph Collection. In the historic LeVeque Tower. Once the tallest building in the U.S. Amelia Earhart used it as an air marker.
Rooms are huge. Historic hotels are usually small. Not here. Giant walk-in shower, black and white tile floor to ceiling. Art Deco furniture. I didn’t meet a light fixture I wouldn’t want to steal.
Hotel LeVeque: 50 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH .05
Getting Around
John Glenn International Airport (CMH) is less than 30 minutes from downtown. Dubin is another 20 to 25 minutes north.
Rideshares are everywhere but expensive during the week. Add extra time for the return from Dubin to Columbus.
If you drive, Hotel LeVeque charges $50 a day for valet. Most spots are walkable. Memorial offers free parking in several lots. Some, like the zoo, include shuttles.
