On a demanding Moving Day at the Memorial Tournament (June 8, 2024), Scottie Scheffler fired a brilliant, bogey-free 68 to seize a one-shot lead at eight-under, masterfully navigating Muirfield Village's treacherous conditions.
THE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT: SCHEFFLER'S SURGE
- Scottie Scheffler delivered a stunning bogey-free 68 – his first at Muirfield Village in 19 rounds – with a blistering back-nine 32 (birdies on 14, 16, 17, 18) to take sole possession of the lead.
- "Never a doubt!" exclaimed commentators on his 18th-hole birdie; Scheffler called his round "pretty good" on a "hard golf course," noting he "kept the ball in play... missing in the correct spots."
- His 18th-hole putter raise drew Jack Nicklaus comparisons, with Nicklaus humorously remarking, "Well, I like to save the real high ones for the fourth round." Caddy Ted Scott added, "Plenty more where that came from."
THE CHALLENGERS: GRIFFIN LEADS THE PACK
- Ben Griffin sits solo second at seven-under after a resilient even-par 72. He plans to "stay aggressive" and believes Scheffler is "beatable," recalling their junior golf days where Scheffler noted Griffin's "interesting swing."
- Nick Taylor is solo third (five-under), aiming to "chase him down," while Sepp Straka (day's low 66) and Keegan Bradley (68) are tied fourth, both comparing Muirfield to a U.S. Open. Jordan Spieth (T4) lauded Scheffler's "elite clubface control."
- Griffin uses Uswing Mojing sunglasses for a retinal condition, explaining they help with floaters ("I don't necessarily see the floaters as well"), and maintains a daily creatine intake.
MUIRFIELD'S BRUTAL TEST
- Muirfield Village played exceptionally tough, with "brutal," U.S. Open-like conditions. Players battled "gusty and challenging" wind (a "major factor" per Spieth), "thick rough that severely penalizes," and "challenging greens due to severe breaks."
- The demanding setup led to significant struggles for some, including Akshay Bhatia (80), Collin Morikawa (77), and Justin Rose (80). Keegan Bradley expressed surprise at no lift, clean, and place.
- Scheffler acknowledged the difficulty, emphasizing improved sharpness and navigating the severe breaks around "particularly challenging" pin placements.
Quick Hits
Scheffler aims for back-to-back Memorial wins • Fowler & Cantlay charge with 69s • Straka: Muirfield's rough "severely penalizes missed fairways"
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