Sober Goggin plunders Memorial course for first round lead

By Andrew Both

DUBLIN, Ohio (Reuters) - A clear-headed Mathew Goggin plundered eight birdies to take the first round lead at the PGA's prestigious Memorial tournament on Thursday.

Australia's Goggin, who admitted he had a hangover the last time he played at Muirfield Village, was in much better condition on Thursday to card a seven-under-par 65 in magnificent weather.

Americans Kenny Perry and Jerry Kelly were one stroke back after shooting 66s, with American Brett Quigley and Australian Rod Pampling two behind Goggin.

Goggin has not previously played the Jack Nicklaus-hosted event, but was a guest of Nicklaus's son Gary at the Ohio course, a couple of weeks after the tournament, nine years ago.

"My first experience at Muirfield, we were going to play the course the next day and I was all fired up," said Goggin.

"But we had a big night and we got so drunk. I had such a bad hangover we decided to pull the pin, I think it was (after) eight holes, and get out of the sun."

Goggin lasted the entire round on Thursday, taking just 22 putts on greens that almost every player said were among the fastest and smoothest they had encountered.

"The first 10 holes I played pure," Goggin said. "The last six holes I didn't play so well, so it was one of those bizarre days."

Perry, meanwhile, compiled nine birdies, including six in a row from the 11th hole.

"I just kept lagging putts and my lags just kept going in the hole," said the 47-year-old Perry, who has won nine times on the PGA Tour, including twice here.

"My speed was tremendous today. I kept pouring them in from 20 feet like they were two-footers.

"I'm not a guy known for making putts, so it was a great day for me to see a lot go in the hole."

Perry is more renowned as an outstanding driver, a facet of the game very important at Muirfield, which has juicy rough similar to that normally found at the United States Open.

He strayed from the fairway only three times, but bogeyed each time, strong evidence of the importance of staying in the short grass.

Phil Mickelson, coming off victory at the Colonial tournament on Sunday, carded 72, as did Sergio Garcia, in his first competitive round since winning the Players Championship.