DUBLIN (OHIO) — Jordan Spieth scored a 3-under 69 on Thursday, a score which would not normally place him high on the Memorial Tournament leaderboard.
Spieth, however, is tied for third place on the Muirfield Village Golf Club’s course. The course was a tough one that saw few players escape unscathed.
He said, “It was a fantastic round.” It was great to win a difficult golf course.
The Memorial first round saw only two players shoot 68 or higher for the first time in 2004.
The list was long. Billy Horschel, the defending champion, shot 84. Dylan Frittelli, was 15-over and 11-over the first five holes on the back nine when he withdrew citing illness. Chad Ramey shot a 13, yes, that’s right, a 13. On the par-4 number No. After hitting the water four different times, Chad Ramey had a 13 on the par-4 No.
Rain is a common occurrence at the Memorial, and it can affect the tournament’s preparation or even the actual tournament. It’s been very dry, which has made the course more firm. The temperatures reached 90 degrees on Thursday, and the wind increased in the afternoon.
Even Davis Riley, the leader, who shot a score of 67, seemed to be a man that was more likely to survive than thrive.
He said, “It was difficult.” The wind is swirling in the trees and it’s hard. The wind and firmness of the greens make it difficult to see inside 20 or 25 feet.
The par-3 16th, par-4 17th, and par-4 18th holes are the most difficult relative to par on the course. This makes for a tough finish for players who began on the front 9.
Mark Hubbard reacts to a shot that went into a bunker at the 17th green during the first round of the Muirfield Village Golf Club’s 2023 Memorial Tournament. (Photo: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
Matt Wallace, second with a score of 68, said: “Well, I’d tell Jack (Nicklaus) that those last three are brutally difficult.”
Rory McIlroy had a 3-under score after 17 holes. He triple-bogeyed the 18th hole. After getting a bad lie in the rough, Rory McIlroy triple-bogeyed the 18th hole.
The two previous holes were modified for the tournament this year. Early reviews haven’t been positive.
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Spieth stated, “Well 16 is not a good hole for most people who are playing today.” You’re trying to get the putter into your hand in time for 2. The green is 203 yards, adjusted to the wind. It runs away on both sides. There’s one shelf where you can put it.
Only five birdies were recorded on the 16th hole, while 46 players made bogeys.
It could have been even more difficult. The new tees added about 20 yards to the distance.
“(No.) Spieth explained that the 17th hole was lengthened, so you would have to hit it at the same place. However, you must now hit your driver. It’s a 7-iron, driver into the tiny green, which again pitches away from you during the first half. It takes a lot more imagination, and you have to be able to pull it off.
The Muirfield Village Greens received rave reviews, despite being fast.
Spieth stated, “I thought they were appropriate firm and very pure. They are probably the best surfaces that I have ever laid down in an afternoon, on a Thursday.” “You didn’t need to do much. I was amazed at how great they were.
“But the fairways have been reduced to half their normal width.” It’s a real challenge if you miss them, as there are only two greens that you can hold.
