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March 22, 2013

Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide Insurance expands reach

Officials of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance announced today that the Tournament has accepted early commitments from 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson and rising star Dustin Johnson to compete in the 38th edition of the prestigious invitational Tournament hosted by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus.

The Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance is May 27 - June 2.

"Bubba proved last year at the Masters that he not only has the ability to win under pressure, but he also has great imagination," said Tournament Founder and Host Jack Nicklaus. "Dustin has been a consistent winner since he arrived on the PGA TOUR in 2008. Both players hit it a long way and have a lot of talent, and they will be fan favorites for our galleries at the Memorial."

Watson, 34, is coming off a career year. He recorded seven top-10 finishes over 19 starts in 2012, including his first career major championship at the Masters Tournament. Watson's exciting come from behind playoff victory was good for his fourth PGA TOUR title and helped vault him to a career-best $4,644,997 in 2012 earnings. A resident of Windermere, Fla., Watson has competed in six TOUR events in 2013 and recorded two top-10 finishes. He is currently ranked No. 14 in the world and No. 42 in FedExCup points to go with $17,726,942 in career earnings since joining the PGA TOUR in 2006. Watson's best finish in his seven previous appearances at the Memorial Tournament is T-23 in 2007 and 2009. Last year he missed his second cut at Muirfield Village Golf Club after opening with rounds of 75 and 74.

Johnson has recorded at least one PGA TOUR victory each year from 2008 to 2013, amassing seven TOUR wins in all and career earnings totaling $18,548,006. Through nine events this year he has recorded two top-10 finishes, including a victory at the season opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions. The 27-year-old resident of Myrtle Beach, S.C. is currently ranked No. 19 in the world and No. 6 in FedExCup points. Johnson will be making his sixth start at the Memorial Tournament. He kept his streak of consecutive cuts made at Muirfield Village Golf Club alive with a T-19 finish in 2012. His best Memorial finish came in 2011 with a fourth place outing.

All-week Patron Badges to the 2013 Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance are available to the general public. The badges, valid May 27-June 2, cost $155 and include three complimentary any-day Practice Round tickets at no extra cost. As always, kids 12 and under can attend for free, and kids 18 and under are admitted free on Wednesday for Junior Golf Day. The public may call the Tournament Ticket Office 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 877-MT BADGE or visit www.mtbadge.com 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. Additionally, 2013 Memorial Tournament patrons can purchase tickets to The Presidents Cup 2013 at a special rate of $185 for Grounds tickets or $310 for Captains' Club tickets (per ticket price). Offer valid through May 26, 2013.