St. Jude C'ship Round 1: Everything You Need To Know

Chris Kirk carded an opening-round 64 in Memphis highlighted by a hole-in-one at the par-3 14th hole, to move in front at TPC Southwind. Kirk's caddie Michael Cromie designed a new putter for his boss and it has worked out perfectly in the first round.
Kirk ranked sixth in the field in Strokes Gained: Putting, gaining over two shots on the field on the greens. He made more than 100 feet worth of putts, highlighted by long birdies on the third, sixth and 12th holes from outside 17 feet.
In addition to reading the greens and working AimPoint, Cromie surprised the six-time PGA TOUR winner with a new flatstick for the first leg of the FedExCup Playoffs that he had designed with the help of Cody Hale, the TOUR’s Odyssey rep. It’s a long stretch to make it to Atlanta, but Kirk and Cromie have the moxie to get there.
📌 Matsuyama On A Roll: Hideki Matsuyama has finished inside the top 20 in his last three trips to TPC Southwind, including a runner-up effort in 2021 and he lies T-2 after Round 1.
The Japanese star was eighth in the FedEx Cup entering the week, so his status for Denver was never in question. Now it’s all about positioning for the Tour Championship.
🚀 Stars In Contention: Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele both hit 4-under to tie for the fifth spot after the opening round. Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark and Jordan Spieth are all on 2-under and placed T-18.
Matt Fitzpatrick, Will Zalatoris and Tom Kim, among others, are in danger of falling outside the Top 50 as things stand.