Johnson goes birdie-free and tries to avoid missing cut

The opening round at the Memorial certain was no exception, especially considering all the setbacks he already has endured in his career.

Both made bogey on the final hole and still managed a 7-under 65 for a one-shot lead.

Remember, Johnson had a stretch last summer of six consecutive top 10s, including that U.S. Open victory at Oakmont and another World Golf Championship title at Firestone.

Coming off three straight top 10s to start the year, including a runner-up finish in Abu Dhabi, Johnson missed the cut at Torrey Pines.

Think back to two years ago when Johnson had a 12-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole of Chambers Bay to win the U.S. Open.

There were a dozen eagles in the opening round, yet nothing turn heads more than Johnson's tee shot on the 17th hole.

The ball was past the bunkers that pinch in the fairways, down the hill and just short of the green that guards the slope up toward the putting surface.

Spieth, Justin Thomas and Kevin Kisner couldn't help but look back from the green at a golf ball that really shouldn't have been there.

"The way he drives the golf ball, he's able to take advantage of a lot of holes," Phil Mickelson said after playing alongside him.