Blixt-Smith surge ahead in 2nd round of Zurich Classic

AVONDALE, La. — Jonas Blixt and Cameron Smith posted a 10-under 62 in Friday’s four-ball format to move into the lead at the Zurich Classic, which is in its first year of a new team format.

Blixt and Smith have a two-day total of 15-under 129 to lead by one over Patrick Reed and Patrick Cantlay. The K.J Choi-Charlie Wi and Troy Merritt-Robert Streb pairings are tied for third at 13-under.

Canadian pair Graham DeLaet and David Hearn shot a 66 in the second round to enter a tie for 32nd at 7-under par.

Countrymen Nick Taylor and Mackenzie Hughes missed the cut at 2 under despite shooting a 67 on the day. They weren’t able to overcome their first-round score of 75.

The Zurich Classic was a standard individual tournament until changing formats this year. This marks the PGA Tour’s first official team event since the 1981 Disney Classic. The four-ball format has each member of a two-man team playing his own ball throughout a round, with only the best score on each hole recorded.