AVONDALE, La. (AP) — PGA Tour rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo shot a 3-under 69 in alternate-shot play Friday to remain atop the leaderboard in the Zurich Classic, and leave defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry six strokes back.
Salinda and Velo had a 17-under 127 at the breezy TPC of Louisiana after breaking the tournament better-ball record with a 58 on Thursday in the tour’s only team event. Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin were a stroke back after a 66.
“Overall, really solid,†Velo said. “I think we played really to our strengths today. We both missed a couple short ones that kind of led to our bogeys, but besides that, we played pretty flawless. We feed off each other really easily, and I know how to club off him, and we’re talking through shots out there.â€
The teams will play better ball Saturday and alternate shot Sunday.
“Tomorrow, we just keep playing how we’re playing, set ourselves up for Sunday and give ourselves a shot," Salinda said. “I think alternate shot is kind of our strength.â€
Playing the back nine first, Salinda and Velo made the turn at 1 over, then rallied with four birdies on the easier front nine.
Novak is coming off a playoff loss last week to Justin Thomas in the RBC Heritage, his second straight top-three finish.
“There was really only one hole out there I felt like we were in trouble at any point really,†Novak said. “Our short games kind of take care of a lot of missteps. But a lot of good putting, and seven birdies today. That’s really strong for alternate shot.â€
McIlroy, making his first start since winning the Masters, and Lowry were tied for 16th at 11 under after a 69.
The Irish stars eagled the par-5 second and played the first 12 holes in 6 under. They were 3 over on the last six, dropping strokes on the par-4 13th, par-3 17th and par-5 18th.
Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin, both of Abbotsford, B.C., are in a nine-way tie for seventh at 12 under, five shots back of the leaders. Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., and Australian Cam Davis are in a nine-way tie for 16th at 11 under.
Danish identical twins Nicolai and Rasmus Holgaard were third at 15 under after a 70. They shot 59 on Thursday.
Jacob Bridgeman and Chandler Phillips had a 68 to get to 14 under.
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AP golf:
