Cantlay-Schauffele shoot 59 at Zurich Classic
AVONDALE, La. – Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are a good team even when they’re playing for cash and not just a flag.
Cantlay holed a 25-foot eagle putt early and chipped in from 40 feet for birdie late, while Schauffele contributed six birdies of his own, and their three straight birdies to close gave them a 13under 59 in fourballs Thursday to lead the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
It set a tournament record since the Zurich Classic switched to team play in 2017, and the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup partners were willing to claim a piece of golf ’s magic number.
“I haven’t done it before. I don’t think Pat has, either. I’ll count in my book,” Schauffele said.
They had a one-shot lead over the team of Matthew NeSmith and Taylor Moore. The group at 61 included Robert Garrigus and Tommy Gainey, and Aaron Rai and David Lipsky, two teams that have had their share of activity off the course.
Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and Ryan Palmer were five shots behind at 64.
The second round moves to foursomes, and while alternate is the more difficult of the format, Cantlay and Schauffele have put together a 4-0 mark in their partnerships at the 2019
Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne and he 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.
“It’s just the first quarter. We’re only one ahead,” Cantlay said. “But we are going into a format on Friday that we really like – I think Xander and I really like alternate shot. It’s one of our strengths for the week, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Moore was lucky to have much strength at all
He was in the emergency room Wednesday morning from food poisoning, got some fluids and nausea medicine and finally was able to keep some food down Thursday morning.
“Just tried to finish every hole,” Moore said. “That was kind of a win within its own right.”
LPGA Tour
LOS ANGELES – Nasa Hataoka and Emily Kristine Pedersen shared the lead at 4-under 67 halfway through the first round Thursday in the LPGA Tour’s DIO Implant LA Open.
Hataoka closed with a birdie on the par-3 18th at breezy Wilshire Country Club. The 23-year-old Japanese player had seven birdies and three bogeys. She has five LPGA Tour victories, winning twice last season.
Pedersen had five birdies and a bogey. The 23-year-old from Denmark is winless on the tour.
“I think you need a bit of confidence going into this course,” Pedersen said. “There are a few tight drives, a bit quirky shots into the greens where you really have to be on the right angle and just commit to the shots.”
Sei Young Kim and So Yeon Ryu were a stroke back with Jennifer Song, Haylee Harford, Janie Jackson and Dewi Weber. No. 1 Jin Young Ko had a 71.
Defending champion Brooke Henderson opened with a 76. She had a triple bogey on the par-3 fourth.
The tournament opens a two-week stay in Los Angeles area, with the Palos Verdes Championship next week.