Scheffler, Åberg and Morikawa: That could have been a lot worse.”

Hadwin Leads Scheffler, Schauffele, and Others at Memorial with a 66

DUBLIN, Ohio— Adam Hadwin turned in a remarkable performance on Thursday at the Memorial, leading the field with a 6-under 66. Despite a late stumble, his numerous birdies set him apart, edging Masters champion Scottie Scheffler by one shot and reigniting his hopes for a strong finish in the season. Hadwin was one of the few who conquered the rain-softened yet punishing Muirfield Village course, showcasing an impressive streak of four birdies in five holes towards the end of his round. This followed four birdies on the front nine, culminating in a missed 5-foot par putt on the challenging 18th.

Scheffler and PGA champion Xander Schauffele also demonstrated their prowess, keeping the competition tight. Scheffler, starting strong with two birdies in four holes, was slowed by a mud-covered ball on the par-5 fifth hole, resulting in a bogey. Despite this setback, he maintained his momentum, closing with a solid performance including a near-perfect approach on the 18th, the toughest hole of the day.

Schauffele, in his first appearance since his PGA Championship win, credited his short game for saving a potentially rough round. His bogey-free 68 kept him in contention, though he acknowledged needing to refine his accuracy. Schauffele’s round included a dramatic moment on the fifth hole, where a mud ball landed him in a bunker, necessitating a tricky recovery to avoid water hazards. His precise putts kept him competitive, notably converting an 8-foot putt to save par.

Joining Schauffele at 68 were Corey Conners, Collin Morikawa, and Ludvig Åberg, while defending champion Viktor Hovland finished with a 69. Conners and Hadwin, both fresh from the Canadian Open, are also eyeing spots in the upcoming Olympic field, a crucial time with only two weeks before the 60-man roster is finalized. Hadwin’s performance is particularly significant, as he aims to climb from his current world ranking of 59 to secure a position.

Hadwin expressed the importance of this week’s play, noting the need to focus on the process to improve his standings. Conners, ranked 45th, along with compatriots Taylor Pendrith and Mackenzie Hughes, is also vying for Olympic selection.

Scheffler, a four-time winner this year including another Masters title, showcased his usual consistency despite the muddy mishap on the fifth. Opting to go for the green, his shot veered significantly off course due to the mud, leading to a challenging recovery and a rare bogey on what was deemed the easiest hole of the day.

Schauffele’s round, characterized by solid putting, included another close call on the fifth where a mud ball landed him in a difficult bunker position. His controlled shot and precise putting allowed him to save par and continue his bogey-free streak.

Among the 25 players breaking par in the 73-man field was Rory McIlroy, who ended with a 70 after rallying with four birdies in his last six holes.

As the tournament progresses, the tight competition and challenging course promise an exciting showdown, with Hadwin, Scheffler, and Schauffele leading a formidable field of contenders.