Griffin Leads, Scheffler in Pursuit, and Key Betting Insights
The 2025 Memorial Tournament teed off at Muirfield Village Golf Club, and Day 1 did not disappoint. From heroic birdies to shocking struggles, golf fans were treated to the perfect mix of drama and dazzling performances. Here’s everything you need to know about the opening round.
Top Performers
Ben Griffin – 7 Under, 65
Ben Griffin took center stage with one of the best opening rounds of his career. His jaw-dropping 7-under 65 featured seven birdies and an eagle, leaving the field chasing him into Day 2. This was Griffin’s lowest first-round score in six years, and if he continues at this pace, we could be looking at a Cinderella story in the making.
Collin Morikawa – 5 Under, 67
Right on Griffin’s heels is Collin Morikawa, whose steady 5-under 67 was a masterclass in precision. With every swing, it seemed like Morikawa was in complete control, a comforting presence near the top for those who’ve followed his meteoric rise.
Max Homa – 4 Under, 68
Quietly making his move, Max Homa carded a 4-under 68 to finish the day in third. Within striking distance of the lead, Homa’s blend of power and finesse has set him up as a dark horse heading into the weekend.
Underperformers
Daniel Berger – 9 Over, 81
To say Daniel Berger had a bad day would be a gross understatement. Posting a gut-wrenching 9-over 81, his round was a reminder that even the best can have days they’d rather forget. With 54 holes left, the big question is whether Berger can salvage some pride or if this week will be a total write-off.
Jordan Spieth – Even Par, 72
Jordan Spieth’s round was nothing if not eventful. A crowd-pleaser as always, Spieth made a gutsy decision to hit a risky shot out of the rough. The reward? A thrilling birdie that showcased his fearless style. But when the dust settled, his even-par 72 left him in the middle of the pack, needing a big move on Friday to climb back into contention.
Contenders to Watch
Scottie Scheffler – 2 Under, 70
The defending champ, Scottie Scheffler, started his title defense with a rock-solid 2-under 70. While nothing in his round screamed dominance, Scheffler’s consistency reminds us why he’s world number one. Sitting five shots off the lead, he’s still very much in the hunt as he eyes back-to-back titles.
Shane Lowry – 3 Under, 69
Shane Lowry delivered a 3-under 69 with a dazzling eagle on the par-five seventh hole. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure, Lowry’s performance positions him as a serious threat if he can build momentum through the next rounds.
Betting Insights
Looking to spice up Day 2 with a wager? Here’s how the betting favorites stack up after Round 1:
- Scottie Scheffler (+240): With his steady opener and reputation as a grinder, Scheffler remains the odds-on favorite to take home the trophy.
- Collin Morikawa (+400): Sitting just two shots off the lead, Morikawa’s odds reflect the respect bettors and fans alike have for his ability to close gaps quickly.
- Ben Griffin (+500): Despite leading after 18 holes, Griffin’s longer odds show some skepticism over whether he can carry this momentum throughout the tournament.
- Shane Lowry (+1600): Offering high value, Lowry’s combination of a strong start and proven ability to compete on big stages makes him a compelling pick.
What’s Next?
Friday’s round will reveal a lot about who has the staying power to contend for the title come Sunday. Can Griffin keep his Cinderella story alive? Will Scheffler and Morikawa close the gap? And most importantly for those looking to bet, which players will reward your faith with a big move up the leaderboard?
Stay tuned, as Day 2 of the Memorial is sure to bring even more twists and turns. With a stacked field and high stakes, there’s no telling what the leaderboard will look like at the end of the day. If one thing’s for sure, it’s this – the action at Muirfield Village has only just begun.
