The U.S. Open kicked off a week earlier in Dublin, Ohio, with Rory McIlroy stating that the conditions at Muirfield Village Golf Club were more challenging than what is expected at Pinehurst No. 2. Jackson Koivun, a freshman at Auburn who recently won the Haskins Award, expressed how difficult the course was during the second round of the Memorial Tournament. Many other players echoed the sentiment, with Keegan Bradley noting that it was one of the toughest rounds he had played all year. The combination of wind, rough, and firming greens made it a real test for all participants.
Gusty winds made approach shots a guessing game for the players. Adam Hadwin, the overnight leader, acknowledged the tricky nature of Muirfield Village, with many shots requiring precision due to fluctuating wind conditions. Players had to rely on educated guessing to navigate the challenging course, with Hadwin highlighting the difficulty of controlling the ball flight to limit the wind’s impact. The general consensus among the field was that the course would only become harder as the tournament progressed.
Scottie Scheffler extended his lead heading into the weekend with impressive play during the second round. Scheffler’s performance, including an eagle on No. 15 and a birdie to end the round, showcased his skills on a challenging course. Viktor Hovland also displayed strong play, shooting two consecutive 69s, despite the difficult conditions. Hovland credited a FaceTime session with his coach for improvements in his game and shared his satisfaction with his performance.
Adam Hadwin followed up his impressive first-round performance with an even-par second round, remaining in contention despite a late double bogey. The Canadian player remained focused on winning the tournament, aiming to end a seven-year victory drought. South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout had a remarkable putting performance during the second round, making over 150 feet of putts to secure a 5-under 67. Bezuidenhout credited his success to simplifying his approach and taking advantage of Muirfield’s pure greens.
Jackson Koivun, in his PGA Tour debut, managed to survive the cut on the number after a challenging second round. Koivun acknowledged the nerve-wracking experience of playing in a professional tournament but credited veteran Brandt Snedeker for helping him settle into the round. The Auburn freshman highlighted the importance of playing smart and staying focused on his game plan amid the distractions of a major tournament. Koivun’s comfort with his pairing and support from well-wishers helped him navigate the pressure of competing on a challenging course during the Memorial Tournament.
