Jack commits to Memorial Tournament

Host and Two-Time Winner to be Joined by David Toms and Fred Funk

Jack Nicklaus hits a shot into the 17th green during the final round of the 2004 Memorial Tournament. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Jack Nicklaus has officially committed to play in the 2005 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, meaning the Golden Bear will become the only golfer to have participated in all 30 playings of the event he founded, hosts, and twice has won.

The Memorial Tournament will be Jack's first start since the Masters Tournament, and his only PGA Tour appearance before his final British Open appearance in July.

"I have always said that if I am healthy, competitive enough and can contribute to the tournament by being a part of the field, then the Memorial Tournament is the one event I would like to play," Nicklaus said. "I have worked at my game the last couple of weeks, trying to get it in shape to play. We'll see what kind of game I bring to Muirfield Village, but I am looking forward to playing."

Nicklaus will be made available to the media covering the Memorial Tournament on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Joining Nicklaus as part of the 2005 Memorial Tournament field are David Toms and Fred Funk. David Toms, with 11 PGA TOUR victories, including the 2001 PGA Championship, has six top-10s and a win at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship so far in 2005. Toms is currently ranked No. 4 on both the PGA TOUR and World Money Lists and will be making his first appearance at the Memorial Tournament since 1999. Fred Funk, with two top-10s in 2005, including a victory at THE PLAYERS Championship, is currently ranked No. 7 and No.10 on the PGA TOUR and World Money Lists, respectively. Funk has won on TOUR seven times and was a member of the 2004 Ryder Cup Team, as well as the 2003 Presidents Cup team, which Nicklaus captained and will do so again this fall.

A limited number of All-Tournament Patron Badges to the 2005 Memorial Tournament remain available to the general public. The Badges, valid Monday, May 30 through Sunday, June 5, are available for $170 until Friday May 27, or while quantities last. Public may call the Tournament ticket office weekdays at (614) 889-6700 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to purchase badges. Daily tickets for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds are also available. The cost is $30 and they are valid for all three practice round days.

The Memorial Tournament is held annually at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. The Tournament, which was founded and is hosted by Jack Nicklaus, is conducted each year with three goals in mind: to honor the memory of individuals living and deceased who have distinguished themselves in the game of golf; to showcase the world's best golfers competing on one of the most challenging venues in the world for the enjoyment of spectators; and to benefit charitable organizations in central Ohio. For more information, call 614-889-6700 or visit our website at www.thememorialtournament.com.