Ryan Moore shot a 65 on Thursday at Muirfield Village, and will take a one-shot lead over Jordan Spieth into day two of the Memorial Tournament.
The 36-year old UNLV product signed for a bogey-free scorecard comprised of 11 pars and seven birdies, highlighted by four-straight gains on Nos. 4- 7, to secure the day’s marquee position at 7-under par.
“It was just a good solid day. Really capitalized on opportunities for the most part. Just hit some good shots and had some reasonable chances for birdie. And in the five- to eight-foot range, they seemed to be lipping out, and today they lipped in a couple of times and kept the momentum going. And was able to make a couple putts outside that range, which is always a nice bonus,” said Moore, who is looking for his first win since the 2016 John Deere Classic.
“To go bogey-free around this place is something you’re going to be happy with. It was a good, solid round of golf.”
Spieth was one back after an impressive round of 66 which included five birdies and an eagle on the par-5 5th hole. It was the 25-year old Texan’s fourth-straight sub-70 opening round, going back to the Byron Nelson.
“6-under around Muirfield I’d take any day of the week, no matter what form you’re coming into it with,” said Spieth. “I felt like I hit more fairways today, gave me some more opportunities, and the putter stayed hot.”
A group of five players were one further back at 5-under par, including Anirban Lahiri, Marc Leishman, Martin Kaymer, Vaughn Taylor, and Bud Cauley.
Rounding out the top 10 were Kyoung-Hoon Lee, Russell Knox, Andrew Putnam, Patrick Cantlay, and Danny Willett, who were tied for eighth at 4-under par.
Rickie Fowler was among a 10-player logjam at 3-under par, one clear of Tiger Woods, who opened with a 2-under 70, alongside Phil Mickelson.
Returning from the injury list, Justin Thomas posted a 1-under 71 in his first action since the Masters. Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott were a couple of the other marquee names, alongside Thomas, in the T30 group.
Top-ranked headliners Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Rose all struggled to opening rounds of 3-over 75 and will have work to do on Friday to make the weekend at Jack’s Place.
2019 Memorial Tournament
Top 10: Round One
1. Ryan Moore -7
2. Jordan Spieth -6
3. Anirban Lahiri -5
3. Marc Leishman -5
3. Martin Kaymer -5
3. Vaughn Taylor -5
3. Bud Cauley -5
8. Kyoung-Hoon Lee -4
8. Russell Knox -4
8. Andrew Putnam -4
8. Patrick Cantlay -4
8. Danny Willett -4
Full leaderboard
Stat Leaders: Round One
Driving: Cam Champ – 314.2 yards
Fairways: Matt Fitzpatrick – 14/14, 100%
Greens: Tyrrell Hatton – 16/18, 88.9%
Putts/GIR: Martin Trainer – 1.444
Birdies: Gary Woodland – 8
