Zurich Classic 2021 R1
April 22-25
TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana
$7,400,000
Round 2, Round 3, Round 4

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Viktor Hovland and Kris Ventura are tied for the lead alongside Brice Garnett and Scott Stallings after firing 10-under 62s in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on Thursday.

Zurich Classic 2021 R1

The tournament format alternates between best-ball in the first and third rounds and alternate shots in the second and final rounds.

Hovland and Ventura fired nine birdies in their last twelve holes including a 36-foot putt from Ventura on the 15th and his final 19-foot putt on the 16th.

“Kris decided to heat up his putter. That really helped,” said Hovland. “But I felt like we really played solid golf all 18 holes.”

Zurich Classic 2021 R1

Garnett and Stallings made birdies on eight of their last eleven holes.

“We had a tale of two nines,” said Stallings. “It was nice we didn't birdie the same hole ever, and that's what you have to do. We did a great job of that today.”

Zurich Classic 2021 R1

Behind the lead pairings, seven teams shot 63s including former champions Billy Horschel and Sam Burns as well as Cameron Smith who fired six of his team's seven birdies.

“I'll probably buy dinner tonight after that exhibition he put on,” said Smith's playing partner Marc Leishman. “He's definitely owed that.”

Zurich Classic 2021 R1