GOLF MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT : Couples Leads With 69, but Average Score Is 78.9

Fred Couples was quick to admit that “a lot of luck was involved” in a wind-blown three-under-par 69 in Thursday’s first round of the Memorial tournament.

His was the only sub-par round of the wet, cold, windy day when the average score was 78.9.

Winds gusted to 40 m.p.h. and caused a wind-chill factor in the 30s. Some rain squalls and occasional hail were added.

Greg Norman was tied for second at 73 with Hale Irwin, Lanny Wadkins, Corey Pavin, Don Pooley, Peter Persons and Jay Delsing.

Mark Calcavecchia, the tour’s leading money-winner for the year, shot an 88.

“I have only two things to say. WD,” Calcavecchia said.

Jack Nicklaus had a 78 and said he played very well. Two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange shot 80, 43 on the back. Former PGA champion Jeff Sluman played the front in 46 and picked up.