Finau, Champ Begin Zurich Classic With Blistering Opening Round
Apr 22, 2021, 8:48 PM
Tony Finau plays his shot from the 15th tee during the first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana on April 22, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Tony Finau and Cameron Champ are usually competing against one and another, but not this week. The Zurich Classic is a team event and Finau and Champ find themselves one off the lead after the opening round.
The opening round of the Zurich Classic consisted of a four-ball format meaning both players play their own ball and the lowest score of each hole between the pair counts towards the total.
Bomb Squad
Finau and Champ were on fire with nine total birdies. Finau had five, while Champ added the remaining four. The pair sit just one shot behind the leaders.
Finau and Champ are two of the longer hitters on the PGA tour and they used their length to their advantage banging the ball down the middle of the fairway. It was an exceptional display of power. Finau posted on social media that their team name is “Team Send It”.
Team #SENDIT 🚀🚀 @Cameron__Champ @Zurich_Classic #walkupsong pic.twitter.com/7RaYe7aDrg
— Tony Finau Golf (@tonyfinaugolf) April 22, 2021
Friday’s round is an alternate shot format. Meaning, both players will take it in turn hitting the golf ball, and only one score with be posted at the conclusion of the hole.
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Alternate Shot Rd. 2
Generally, alternate shot is a more challenging format as players often struggle to find a rhythm. But clearly, the pairing of Finau and Champ is playing well, and if they can get the ball deep down the fairway their chances of scoring well increase drastically.
They will tee off at 12:19 p.m. off the first tee on Friday.
The Norwegian duo of Viktor Hovland and Kris Ventura and the American pairing of Brice Garnett and Scott Stallings are tied for the lead at 10-under-par.
