Memorial Tournament Showcases 3 Generations of Greatness

Founded and hosted by Jack Nicklaus since 1976, the Memorial Tournament is home to three generations of golf this week.

Tiger Woods—a five-time winner of the Memorial Tournament—is playing for the first time since The Players Championship. In addition, fan favourite Jordan Spieth is also in the field.

Nicklaus controlled the '60s-'80s while Woods dominated the '90s-'00s. Now, the "Spieth era" is in the midst of taking over the next generation. 

After Spieth's Masters victory, Nicklaus made a statement about the current state of golf.

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I am someone who likes the new generations. I always have. I think it energizes the game of golf. We had Arnold's generation; then it came to my generation; then Tom Watson came along; and right on down the line to Tiger and Rory. And now we have Jordan Spieth. There are some older players who have been terrific for a long time, but actually this might be time for the young guys to take over.

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Nicklaus' word is something that shouldn't be taken lightly.

The 21-year-old Dallas native is a major champion with eight top-10 finishes this season. Not only that, but he's No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking, only behind Rory McIlroy.

If McIlroy was participating in this tournament, it could truly feel like a passing of the torch. However, Spieth's presence should be sufficient.

A great television moment could be in the making if Spieth and Nicklaus are celebrating on the 18th green following a win, but let's not forget about Woods. He may be No. 172 in the Official World Golf Ranking, but he won this tournament just three years ago.

Highlighted by a spectacular final-round shot on No. 16, Woods showed his brilliance in a big-time moment.

Woods hasn't played much this season due to injuries, but two made cuts in a row is a positive start. At a course that he's very familiar with, Woods will be looking to show the young guns that his generation isn't over yet. 

In addition, it's quite fitting that the Memorial has an honoree every year. The reasoning is to recognize an individual for his or her contribution to the game of golf. 

Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Gary Player and Ben Hogan are just a few names that have been honorees at the Memorial Tournament. Woods is bound to be on the list one day, and Spieth could join him if his career continues in this direction. 

The 2015 honoree for the Memorial Tournament is Nick Faldo, which could essentially prove as motivation for Spieth. Though Faldo was supposedly joking when he said he was rooting against Spieth at the Masters, a victory with him as the honoree would be bittersweet.

The Memorial Tournament is a celebration of golf, and this week should be no different.

Whether Spieth is victorious or not, this weekend should be a perfect representation of the past, present and future of golf.