Muirfield Village course proves tricky in first round

DUBLIN, Ohio — Scores of players were caught off guard Thursday in the first round of the Memorial. If they don’t catch a break from Mother Nature, it could prove to be a long, hard journey to the winner’s circle.

In an unusual twist for this time of the year in central Ohio, the course at Muirfield Village Golf Club is already firm and fast — and it hardened and accelerated thanks to sunny skies and warm temperatures in the first round.

Add a bit of swirling wind — and tiny pitched greens — and many of the players were left scratching their heads trying to figure out what kind of shot to hit and whether to fire at tucked pins.

“You have to play very conservatively. It’s something that’s a different look for this golf course. It’s definitely playing tough,” Rory Sabbatini said after a 69, one of seven posted Thursday.

No one figure out the conditions better than Scott Stallings, who grabbed the lead with a 66. Spencer Levin and Erik Compton each shot 67.

“Obviously the golf course was much softer last year (and) you had more opportunities to hit it close,” Stallings said. “You kind of had to play away from some of the flags today. It was definitely the firmest I’ve ever seen it.”

The course will soften if the forecast holds true. There was a 90% chance of overnight storms and a 50% chance of thunderstorms today.

“This course is harder than some of the ones we have been playing. To hold the green on some shots is hard,” said Levin, who made six putts longer than 15 feet and chipped in from 50 feet. “I could use a little rain; that would be nice for me, just so I can stop some iron shots. So I’m praying for rain.”