Spieth, Palmer share lead at team event in New Orleans

Jordan Spieth AVONDALE, LA. showed off his short game. Ryan Palmer contributed momentum-saving putts. They turned out to be quite the team Thursday in the Zurich Classic, the first official team event on the PGA Tour in 36 years.

Spieth hit a bump-and-run from 100 feet to a front pin to set up birdie on the par-5 11th, chipped in for birdie on the 14th and closed out their foursomes round with a 15-foot birdie for a 6-under 66 to share the lead with 18-year-old Ryan Ruffels and Kyle Stanley.

Nick Watney made a 60-foot eagle putt at the par-5 18th as he and Charley Hoffman were among four teams at 67.

Conditions allowed for good scoring with 43 of the 80 teams breaking par, and 18 teams in the 60s.