Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry made a solid start in their title defense at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans , shooting an 8-under 64 in Thursday's opening round. Despite a slow beginning, McIlroy and Lowry are six shots behind the leaders, Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo , who set a new tournament record with an extraordinary 14-under 58 .
The duo, playing in the four-ball format, saw Lowry carry much of the early momentum. Starting on the back nine, Lowry birdied three of the first four holes, including a birdie on the par-5 18th. McIlroy, recovering from a brief illness earlier in the week, started slowly but found his rhythm later. He posted his first birdie of the day on No. 1, followed by a remarkable eagle on the par-5 second hole, hitting a 6-iron from 204 yards to within five feet.
Despite an unfortunate bogey on No. 6, where both McIlroy and Lowry found the water, the pair continued to steady the ship with a birdie on No. 7. McIlroy, reflecting on the day's play, noted that while they left a few shots out there, they were focused on the upcoming alternate-shot days, which are crucial to their title defense.
Record-Setting Round for Salinda and Velo
The highlight of the day came from PGA Tour rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo, who shot a 14-under 58, setting a new tournament record. The pair displayed impressive teamwork, combining for an eagle and 12 birdies. Salinda’s eagle on the par-5 seventh was one of the standout moments as they stormed to a one-shot lead over the Højgaard twins, Nicolai and Rasmus, who carded a 13-under 59.
Looking Ahead to Key Foursomes Days
McIlroy and Lowry, despite their steady play, know that the next two days of the tournament—Friday's and Sunday's alternate-shot format—will be crucial. McIlroy emphasized that it's important to post solid scores in these rounds, as they can significantly change the standings.
With the tournament still wide open and strong teams like Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama (tied for third at 61), McIlroy and Lowry will need to stay focused to defend their title. As the tournament moves into the more challenging formats, both players are confident in their chances.
The duo, playing in the four-ball format, saw Lowry carry much of the early momentum. Starting on the back nine, Lowry birdied three of the first four holes, including a birdie on the par-5 18th. McIlroy, recovering from a brief illness earlier in the week, started slowly but found his rhythm later. He posted his first birdie of the day on No. 1, followed by a remarkable eagle on the par-5 second hole, hitting a 6-iron from 204 yards to within five feet.
Despite an unfortunate bogey on No. 6, where both McIlroy and Lowry found the water, the pair continued to steady the ship with a birdie on No. 7. McIlroy, reflecting on the day's play, noted that while they left a few shots out there, they were focused on the upcoming alternate-shot days, which are crucial to their title defense.
Record-Setting Round for Salinda and Velo
The highlight of the day came from PGA Tour rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo, who shot a 14-under 58, setting a new tournament record. The pair displayed impressive teamwork, combining for an eagle and 12 birdies. Salinda’s eagle on the par-5 seventh was one of the standout moments as they stormed to a one-shot lead over the Højgaard twins, Nicolai and Rasmus, who carded a 13-under 59.
Looking Ahead to Key Foursomes Days
McIlroy and Lowry, despite their steady play, know that the next two days of the tournament—Friday's and Sunday's alternate-shot format—will be crucial. McIlroy emphasized that it's important to post solid scores in these rounds, as they can significantly change the standings.
With the tournament still wide open and strong teams like Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama (tied for third at 61), McIlroy and Lowry will need to stay focused to defend their title. As the tournament moves into the more challenging formats, both players are confident in their chances.
You may also like
AR Rahman song identical to Dagar bros' work: Delhi HC
Jagan 'final recipient' of Andhra booze scam kickbacks, says SIT
Celebrity Big Brother twist as Chris Hughes and Chesney Hawkes evicted together
CBB star Chris Hughes breaks down in tears as he compares JoJo Siwa to ex Jesy Nelson
Chris Hughes hits back at Ella Rae Wise's 'game player' accusations on CBB final
