Thursday, May 29, 2014

'All‑In‑All a Great Day'

DUBLIN, OH - MAY 29: Michael Thompson hits his second shot on the 15th hole during the first round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

by Roz Roberts III

Michael Thompson's day didn't start off as well as it finished.  Early, he 'didn't have the best warm‑up session' as he got ready for his first round at the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance.  Then his first tee shot found the rough left of the fairway.  He had to lay up short of the green for his second shot and eventually he was looking at an eleven foot putt for par.  He made the par save and from that point on it was all systems go.
I managed to make a good save on 1 that just kind of got the round going, and then from there on I had eight birdie chances on the front nine inside 15 feet.  It didn't seem like I could miss a shot. I missed a few little short putts, but turned it 4‑under.  And just all‑in‑all a great day.  A little hiccup on 17, but I can't be too disappointed.
At the end of the day Michael was sitting at five under par tied for fifth.  He sits four shots off Rory McIlroy's lead but just a single shot back from second.  He tees off from the tenth hole tomorrow at 1:27pm ET with playing partners D.A. Points and Russell Henley.

When he was asked why Muirfield matches his game so well, Michael said
I like to play a fade.  That's what Jack was known for, and a lot of his course designs fit that type of golf shot.  So visually it just appeals to me.  It's obviously in great condition.  The greens are fast.  I love fast greens.  Putting is my strength, and that's what I rely on.  And when you get really fast greens, it allows me to kind of go out there and do what I do best.  So this is one of my favorite events.  And to shoot a round like today on this golf course is special.

Videos from Round 1

Post Round Interview


Birdie on Hole #11



Online Links
Live @ Streaming Coverage from Holes 11 and 16

No comments:

Post a Comment