Collin Morikawa is firmly in contention after round one of The Memorial but he’s also slammed one element of the golf course.
Muirfield Village is playing host to the tournament and as everyone in golf knows, it’s always a tricky test.
However, the last few years have been harder than normal and there seems to be a US Open feel around the course this time around.
Indeed, Collin Morikawa is one of the players who has managed to get to under par, after carding a fine five under round on day one.
Nevertheless, Morikawa has spoken about the course in general and admitted that one part of proceedings is truly terrible.
Collin Morikawa says the Memorial golf course is ‘terrible’
Despite battling his way around and finishing behind only Ben Griffin on the leaderboard, Morikawa was not overly happy with everything.
Indeed, when quizzed on just how tough conditions were, and specifically the rough, Morikawa pulled no punches.
“Terrible,” Morikawa replied quickly . “The rough is not great. You definitely want to stay out of the rough.
“It’s rough that’s penal enough to have to take wedge out and hopefully advance it 80 to a hundred yards. You’re adding shots when you’re missing the fairways.”
Collin Morikawa shows he can win The Memorial
With a good six months behind him now and after finishing second at The Memorial last year, it very much looks like Collin Morikawa can win here.
This first round is just what he wanted and despite the rough causing issues, he’s proved he can get round and get into winning positions at the same time.
Although it’s early days, the leaderboard is stacking up with what look like big names and Morikawa needs to keep up this momentum.
If he does, then a first win since the Zozo in 2023 could well be possible.
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