The Memorial Tournament is themed each year around a person, living or dead, who has contributed to the game of golf. This was Jack Nicklaus' idea as a contribution to perpetuating achievements of the game's greatest individuals. The honoree is selected by the Captain's Club, a group of statesmen who act independently of the tournament organization, but who also advise on player invitations and the conduct of the event generally.
Members of the Captain's Club
| Peter Alliss Judy Bell Peggy Kirk Bell Sir Michael Bonalleck O. Gordon Brewer, Jr. George H.W. Bush William C. Campbell James Ray Carpenter Sean Connery Gerald R. Ford Richard H. Grimm Dr. Trey Holland Tony Jacklin |
Ken Lindsay H. Colin Maclaine Charles S. Mechem, Jr. Will F. Nicholson, Jr. Barbara B. Nicklaus Andy North Hisamitsu Ohnishi Arnold Palmer Gary Player Judy Rankin Johann Rupert Carol Semple Thompson |