Memorial Tournament 2019: Ryan Moore strikes early to take first-round lead

Arthur Weinstein

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Memorial Tournament 2019: Ryan Moore strikes early to take first-round lead image

Ryan Moore shot a 7-under 65 to take the lead after the first round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.

The 36-year-old Moore, who has five career PGA Tour wins, went out in the second group of the day and started on a tear, making birdie on five of his first seven holes. He went to the clubhouse with the early lead and it held up, despite a couple of challenges from other golfers on the Dublin, Ohio, course.

Jordan Spieth shot a 66 on Thursday to grab sole possession of second place, one stroke behind Moore. Spieth's round included a spectacular 37-foot putt on No. 5 for an eagle.

Vaughn Taylor seemed headed for the clubhouse at least 6 under but bogeyed the final hole. His 67 leaves him two strokes back and tied for third with Anirban Lahiri, Marc Leishman, Martin Kaymer and Bud Cauley.

In his first tournament since climbing back into the top five of the World Golf Rankings, Tiger Woods carded a 2-under 70 thanks to three birdies in his final five holes.

Among notable golfers, Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler both carded 3-under 69s to end the day four shots back, while Justin Thomas shot a 71. Bryson DeChambeau shot a 74 while world No. 3 golfer Justin Rose and No. 4 Rory McIlroy both stumbled to 3-over 75s.

 

Arthur Weinstein