DUBLIN, Ohio – Rory Sabbatini seems to perform at his best in tribute to the sport’s greatest figures.
The South African is again doing well at the Memorial Tournament on Jack Nicklaus’ Muirfield Village GC. In difficult conditions on Saturday, Sabbatini shot 1-under 71 to trail playing partner Spencer Levin by a shot on 7 under par.
Sabbatini righted the ship after a roller-coaster start in blustery conditions, making two bogeys in the first three holes. Much steadier on the back nine, Sabbatini made one birdie and eight pars to again find a place in the last group on Sunday.
His position should come as little surprise. Sabbatini thrives at Muirfield Village CC. He has finished inside the top 18 here in his last four starts dating back to 2004.
‘I like the course very much,’ he said. ‘It sets up very well to my eye. It’s a golf course where you have to be able to maneuver the ball both ways, and that’s something I really enjoy doing.’
Of his six PGA Tour wins, the last three have come in tournaments influenced by golf legends. He won the Colonial at Hogan’s Alley in 2007, the Byron Nelson in 2009 and Jack Nicklaus’ de facto second tournament, the Honda Classic, last year.
Throw in an ’06 win at Riviera – Hogan’s Alley West – and it seems Sabbatini has a penchant for performing for the greats.
To get another win under the watchful eye of the Golden Bear, however, Sabbatini admits he will have to fight himself.
‘Trust me, I’m far from perfect,’ he said. ‘I have all my own demons that I have to deal with just like everybody else does.