Goggin opens 1-shot lead

Jack Nicklaus always envisioned the Memorial as a northern version of the Masters, from the superb course conditions to super slick greens, from caddies wearing white coveralls to grounds so immaculate that nary a cigarette butt is to be found.

He got his wish Thursday, at least with the greens.

Mathew Goggin spent as little time on them as possible, taking only nine putts over his final nine holes on his way to a 7-under 65 and a one-shot lead over Jerry Kelly and two-time Memorial champion Kenny Perry.

Goggin holed out a bunker shot for birdie on the par-3 fourth, then ended his round with a 12-footer for par from off the green, giving him only 22 putts for his round in Dublin, Ohio.

LPGA Tour

Annika Sorenstam's name is everywhere at the Ginn Tribute, except near the top of the leaderboard after Thursday's opening round.

Sorenstam's even-par 72 left her seven shots behind co-leaders Karrie Webb and In-Kyung Kim, and tied for 60th at RiverTowne Country Club in Mount Pleasant, S.C.

Sophie Gustafson was third at 66. U.S. Open winner Cristie Kerr led a group of seven another stroke back at 67.

The event lost world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa earlier this week when she left to be with her sick uncle in Mexico.

-- The Associated Press