The First Tee at The St. Jude Classic (TPC Southwind)
The Memorial had a star studded class this past week, but the hype machine did nothing to affect William McGirt's game, as he came away with his first win in a playoff against another cast-off, Jon Curran. For me, it was fun to watch McGirt win, looks wise, he's kind of like America's version of Miguel Angel Jiminez. When you win the Memorial, you not only collect a large paycheck, but you get the best non-monetary gift a golfer can get…time with Jack Nicklaus, and you become a member of a very exclusive club. McGirt played solid golf on the first two days shooting 70-68, but he made his mark on Saturday by shooting a 64 (-8), vaulting up the leaderboard. He then did what winners do on Sunday, he kept grinding away and made sure that if he didn't win, someone was going to beat him, he was going to beat himself. He prevailed in a playoff over upstart Jon Curran, another mid-20 American who has shown flashes of explosive golf. For both players, the effect will be dramatic. McGirt moved himself all the way up to 10th, while Curran sits a very respectable 36th. If you didn't get to see Rory, Jordan and Jason get bested by William, you missed a great tournament, and a great moment where McGirt is holding his child while Jack Nicklaus gives the youngster a high five.
The Field
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