Share

Kim, Putnam team for slim lead at Zurich Classic

Los Angeles - Michael Kim and Andrew Putnam shook off a double-bogey to team for a three-under par 69 on Friday and a one-stroke lead after the foursomes second round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. 

The US duo made five birdies as they took their total to 13-under 131 and held a one-stroke lead over compatriots Kevin Kisner and Scott Brown. 

Kisner and Brown are out to improve on their runner-up finish last year, when they lost in a playoff to Australian Cameron Smith and Sweden's Jonas Blixt at TPC Louisiana as the tournament debuted its team play format. 

They followed up their first-round 62 with a 70 that left them on 12-under 132. 

"We'd love to get a trophy together," Kisner said. "We grew up together and are long-time friends so it would be fun to win together." 

Brown said the foursomes format was tougher than the best-ball rounds in which each team member plays his own ball. 

"You obviously don't want to hit a bad shot for your partner, but it happens," he said. "It's a tough day out there today. The wind is blowing around, and we did a good job of hitting a lot of greens. 

"I think we had one bogey for the day, so pretty good in this format." 

Two teams were a stroke back on 133: The US-Aussie duo of Chad Campbell and Matt Jones and Americans Nate Lashley and Rob Oppenheim. 

Overnight co-leaders Chez Reavie and Lucas Glover, who fired a 60 on Thursday, struggled in the alternate-shot format with a three-over 75 that included a double-bogey at the par-four fourth. 

Things were even worse for the Chinese pair of Zhang Xinjun and Dou Zecheng, who shared the lead with Reavie and Glover after the first round. 

The two, the first two players from China to hold PGA Tour membership, combined for an eight-over par 80 that included double-bogeys at the par-four sixth hole and the par-three 17th. 

At four-under for the tournament they missed the halfway cut. 

Defending champions Smith and Blixt exited early, too, finishing at three-under 141 as the cutline of five-under claimed a string of marquee names. 

Jordan Spieth and teammate Ryan Palmer appeared headed for the weekend when they reached the 17th tee at eight-under, but finished with two straight double-bogeys thanks to repeated dunks in the water. 

"I had a couple of really bad swings," said Spieth, who hit his tee shot at the par-three 17th in the water and then dunked their layup shot at the par-five 18th also. 

"Bad decision on the layup," he said. "I cost our team an opportunity, which, you know, really sucks given how hard we fought today. It's not a good feeling. It's much worse than if it's just you." 

Reigning PGA Champion Justin Thomas and teammate Bud Cauley missed the cut, as did Spain's Jon Rahm and Wesley Bryan and the all-Spanish team of Sergio Garcia and Rafael Cabrera Bello. 

The week also ended early for US Open champion Brooks Koepka, who was making his first start in 15 weeks after recovering from a partially torn tendon in his left wrist.

Leading scores after Friday's alternate-shot second round of the PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a two-man team event with best-ball play in rounds one and three and alternate shot play in rounds two and four.

131 - Michael Kim/Andrew Putnam (USA/USA) 62-69

132 - Kevin Kisner/Scott Brown (USA/USA) 62-70

133 - Chad Campbell/Matt Jones (USA/AUS) 63-70, Nate Lashley/Rob Oppenheim (USA/USA) 64-69

134 - Cody Gribble/John Peterson (USA/USA) 66-68, Tony Finau/Daniel Summerhays (USA/USA) 62-72

135 - Kim Whee/Andrew Yun (KOR/USA) 66-69, Bubba Watson/Matt Kuchar (USA/USA) 68-67, Brendan Steele/Jamie Lovemark (USA/USA) 64-71, Richy Werenski/Nicholas Lindheim (USA/USA) 64-71, Chez Reavie/Lucas Glover (USA/USA) 60-75, J.J. Henry/Tom Hoge (USA/USA) 62-73

136 - Patrick Reed/Patrick Cantlay (USA/USA) 65-71, Justin Rose/Henrik Stenson (ENG/SWE) 65-71, Zach Johnson/Jonathan Byrd (USA/USA) 66-70, Retief Goosen/Tyrone Van Aswegen (RSA/RSA) 65-71, Tyler Duncan/Adam Schenk (USA/USA) 64-72, Graeme McDowell/Ian Poulter (NIR/ENG) 65-71

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE