The Loop
Forward Press: Memorial, NCAA Final, Nordea Masters TV times
There are so many things to love about the NCAA Championship ending on a Wednesday night, especially when it’s in east coast prime time.
First, college golf gets a chance to shine. Throw in some dramatics with Beau Hossler battling a shoulder injury, playing against the home team Oregon Ducks, and the 6 PM ET telecast on Golf Channel should draw a similar nice rating that last week’s women’s NCAA enjoyed.
The other reason NCAA golf works ending on a Wednesday? We move right into Thursday with an all-star field playing an all-star course in an all-star tournament: The Memorial. Note to other tours: Ending on days other than Sunday is the future.
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Day, Spieth & McIlroy Headline The Memorial
Here’s all you need to know: Jason, Jordan, Rory, Bubba and Rickie at Jack’s place and the always immaculately groomed Muirfield Village. Everyone of importance heading toward the U.S. Open is there tuning up on the speedy greens for Oakmont’s even speedier greens. Johnny Miller is the tournament honoree this year, so the tears may be flowing.
Tournament airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):
Thursday 3:30-6:30 PM (Live) / 7:30-10:30 PM (Replay)
Friday 3:30-6:30 PM (Live) / 9 PM-Midnight (Replay)
Saturday 12:30-2:30 PM (Live) / 8 PM-1 AM (Replay)
Sunday Noon-2 PM (Live) / 7 PM-12:30 AM (Replay)
Tournament Airtimes on CBS (Eastern):
Saturday 3-6 PM (Live)
Sunday 2:30-6 PM (Live)
While the players will be the focus this week, it’s always nice to savor a week of golf at Muirfield Village, which has a strong backstory:
And Then There Is The Nordea Masters...
Henrik’s major! But it’s a serious affair on the European Tour this week with an Open Championship berth on the line for a top-5 finisher not already exempt. Stockholm’s Bro Hof Slott Golf Club is the host.
Headliners include Lee Westwood, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Thomas Pieters, Robert Karlsson, Y.E. Yang and defending champion Alex Noren.
Tournament airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):
Thursday 5-7 AM / 9 AM-Noon (Live)
Friday 5-7 AM / 9 AM-Noon (Live)
Saturday 7:30-11:30 AM (Live)
Sunday 7-11:30 AM (Live)
The Race For Four In A Row Is Postponed
Ariya Jutanugarn takes the week off after winning three in a row, but the LPGA Tour marches on to New Jersey for the ShopRite LPGA Classic at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club.
Anna Nordqvist defends against a field that includes Stacey Lewis, Brooke Henderson, Na Yeon Choi, Charley Hull, Karrie Webb, Juli Inkster, Laura Davies and Karen Stupples.
Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):
Friday Noon-3 PM (Live) / 2-4 AM (Replay)
Saturday 3-5 PM (Live)
Sunday 2-4 PM (Live)
Major Season Takes A Break On Champions Tour!
After two weeks of majors the geezers settle down in Des Moines, Iowa at Wakonda Club. Bob Papa and Lanny Wadkins will announce after covering the NCAA’s in Oregon.
Headliners include John Daly, Rocco Mediate, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Jesper Parnevik, Tom Lehman, Woody Austin, Mark Calcavecchia, Billy Andrade and Gary Koch.
Tournament airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):
Friday 7-9 PM (Tape delay)
Saturday 5-7 PM (Live)
Sunday 4-6 PM (Live)
A look at Wakonda from above...race for that mute button!