Dublin (Ohio, US), May 31: Anirban Lahiri, who achieved his career-best result at the Memorial last year by finishing tied-2nd, returns to the event with a lot of hope and expectations. The 30-year-old Indian, who has fallen outside of top-100 for the first time in four years, has been paired with Kevin Streelman and Jamie Lovemark in the morning wave.

Tiger can still beat my record: Jack Nicklaus " title="Woods responds to Nicklaus' 'learn to win again' comments | Tiger can still beat my record: Jack Nicklaus " />Woods responds to Nicklaus' 'learn to win again' comments | Tiger can still beat my record: Jack Nicklaus

Young Shubhankar Sharma, who has been making an attempt to get onto the PGA Tour, will make his maiden appearance at the storied event. Sharma has been paired with Trey Mullinax and Andrew Dorn in the afternoon session.

For all those asking what @anirbangolf needs to do this week at @MemorialGolf to get into the @usopengolf - he needs to simply win. A solo second might just help him sneak to No60 in the world ranking. @PGTITOUR @asiantourgolf

— Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) May 30, 2018

The tournament is one of the most significant ones in the season as Jack Nicklaus hosts the event.

Virtually all top stars including World No. 1 Justin Thomas, No. 2 Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson are in the field as is Tiger Woods, a multiple winner here.

Lahiri, speaking about Nicklaus, said, "He's very, very approachable, more so than I would have thought. The first couple of times, its hard to talk because you're in the presence of greatness. It was nice of him to extend me membership at the Bears Club, which is not exactly easy to come by. I remember writing a letter to him.

#TeeTimeAlert - At the @MemorialGolf, @anirbangolf goes out tomorrow at 17:12 IST and @shubhankargolf at 23:19. @Kiradech out early as well - 18:31 Thailand time.

— Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) May 30, 2018

"I never thought, growing up, that I'd get to share that kind of relationship with him. This is one of my favourite tournaments and the course is one my favourite ones," Lahiri added.

Sharma too is excited about being in the field. "I have heard so much about the event and I am excited to be part of it. Last weeks 20th place has been good, though it could have been better and I am looking forward to this week."

Last year, Lahiri shot 65 in the final round to leap frog to tied-2nd and it remains his best result on the PGA Tour.

And for all those asking what @shubhankargolf needs to do this week at @MemorialGolf to get into the @usopengolf - he needs to record at least a top-5 finish. A two-way tie for fifth place might help him get to No60 in the world ranking. @PGTITOUR @asiantourgolf

— Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) May 30, 2018

Woods in his 15 appearances from 1997-2015 at Muirfield Village Golf Club has claimed 8 top-10s and five wins. He was also a member of the U.S Team that won the 2013 Presidents Cup here.

The invitational field of 120 players will battle for a purse of USD 8.9 million, a winner's check of USD 1.602 million, 500 FedExCup Points and a three-year exemption on the Tour.

CAN'T. WAIT.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/qUn2YXgKW6

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 31, 2018

Nicklaus' vision for this tournament became a reality in 1976 when it was won by Roger Maltbie. The Muirfield course has hosted the Ryder Cup, U.S. Amateur, Solheim Cup and Presidents Cup. Last year Jason Dufner rolled to a three-shot victory and he is back to defend his title.

He will be looking to join the company of Woods, who won this event three years in a row from 1999-2001 and is the only player to defend the title. The Par-72 course is almost 7,400 yards and very challenging.