Smylie Kaufman has predicted how Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele could perform on day one of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club.
The American duo lead a stacked field that has gathered in Dublin as final preparations begin for next week’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2.
Schauffele is competing for the first time since his PGA Championship victory at Valhalla, and Scheffler is back in action after taking a week off.
For Schauffele, in particular, it’s hard to predict how his return to the course will go after taking an extended break from competitive golf.
Kaufman, however, claimed that the conditions at Muirfield could suit the diminutive American during the first round.
What Smylie Kaufman has said about Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler ahead of the Memorial
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Speaking on the ever-popular Smylie Show, Kaufman claimed the soft conditions caused by wet weather on Wednesday could suit Scheffler and Schauffele.
“This golf course exposes your weaknesses pretty quickly, so if these guys are rusty, that Thursday round,” he explained. “I think we are going to get some weather on Wednesday, so it’s beneficial to anybody who may be coming in with a bit of rust.
“If the greens were super firm and the fairways were firm, then you’d have to be much sharper and would get a little exposed if you’re a little off.
“I think that benefits the players like Xander and Scottie; maybe their heads are not quite over; for Xander winning the PGA and his first major and Scottie, it’s like, does he have dad fatigue? Where are we in that.”
Don’t expect fireworks on day one of the Memorial
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With Schauffele and Scheffler potentially easing their way back into competitive golf, don’t expect a fast start from either player on Thursday.
Looking to avoid any significant errors and remain in contention heading into the weekend has to be the goal.
Thursday’s round will perhaps look slightly different for Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman has been highly active in recent weeks and is coming off another impressive performance at the RBC Canadian Open.
McIlroy appears to be confident about where his game is currently and will be looking for a fast start at Muirfield Village.
Come Sunday afternoon, the golfing world will have a much better idea of who to look out for heading into the year’s third major at Pinehurst No.2.
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