Morikawa, Homa and Lowry not only pose as Griffin's closet competitors heading into Friday but as three of only 13 players to break par Thursday. One of those men joining them late thanks to a flurry of back-nine birdies was the world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who began his title defense with a ho-hum 70.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler wasn’t at his best and still managed a 70, his 19th consecutive tournament in which he opened with a round par. Get the latest D-FW sports news, analysis and opinion delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, Kevin Sherrington's A La Carte.

The PGA Tour heads to Dublin, Ohio, for the 50th playing of the Memorial Tournament. Jack Nicklaus’ tournament has grown in stature over the years as he has consistently attempted to make Muirfield Village Golf Club more challenging for the modern player.