Salinda, Velo Lead Zurich Classic With Record 58

The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans began at TPC Louisiana with 80 two-player teams competing in alternating four-ball and foursomes formats. Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry opened with an 8-under-par 64 but trailed leaders Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo, who set a course record with a 14-under 58 in the first round. The tournament places additional importance on the foursomes (alternate shot) rounds, which are often pivotal. The event features a $9 million purse, with $1.3 million and 400 FedExCup points awarded to each winner, but does not grant Masters invitations or world ranking points. Other notable teams include Collin Morikawa with Kurt Kitayama, Wyndham Clark with Taylor Moore, and the Hojgaard twins from Denmark. After 36 holes, only the top 33 teams and ties advance to the weekend rounds.