Ben Griffin continued his impressive form from last week's PGA Tour victory, posting a remarkable 7-under 65 in the first round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village. Despite hitting two shots into the water, Griffin maintained his composure and secured a two-shot lead over Collin Morikawa, with Max Homa trailing by another stroke.

Key Highlights

• Griffin's Resilience: Despite two water balls on the par-5 11th and par-3 12th holes, Griffin managed to limit the damage to bogeys, showcasing his mental toughness.
• Eagle on the 7th Hole: Griffin's eagle on the par-5 7th hole with a 3-wood into 12 feet was a highlight of his round.
• Strong Finish: Griffin closed with three consecutive birdies, including a 50-foot putt on the 18th hole, to solidify his lead.

Course Conditions

Muirfield Village presented a formidable challenge, with rough as dense as a U.S. Open. The course was softened by recent rains, but players still faced a tough test, as evidenced by only 13 players breaking par in gentle winds.

Competitors' Performances

• Scottie Scheffler: The defending champion managed a 70, marking his 19th consecutive tournament with an opening round under par.
• Shane Lowry: Playing alongside Griffin, Lowry posted a 69, one of only six players to break 70.
• Max Homa: Despite his struggles this season, Homa felt confident in his swing and managed a solid round.

Quotes

• Ben Griffin: "It was an incredible day. Kind of building on what I was doing last week, making a ton of birdies, staying aggressive."
• Shane Lowry: "I told him when we finished, 'Keep it going, things will turn around for you pretty soon.'"

Looking Ahead

Griffin's performance sets the stage for an exciting tournament. With the course playing tough, players will need to be at their best to challenge for the lead. The next rounds promise to be a true test of skill and endurance.

For more updates on the Memorial Tournament, stay tuned to our coverage.