Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka, two of the most recognizable names on the PGA Tour, saw their hopes of advancing at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans evaporate by a single stroke, missing the cut after the first two rounds. Their early exit came despite a promising start that saw the pair post solid scores in both the four‑ball and foursomes formats.
Lowry entered the tournament as a former champion, having lifted the Zurich Classic trophy two years earlier when he partnered with Rory McIlroy. This year, however, McIlroy was absent, prompting Lowry to team up with the five‑time major champion Brooks Koepka.
The new pairing began with a 66 in the Thursday four‑ball round, followed by a respectable 69 in the Friday foursomes, leaving them nine under par at the halfway point. Unfortunately, the cut line was set at ten under, leaving the duo just one shot short of qualifying for the weekend. Meanwhile, the Fitzpatrick brothers, Matt and Alex, seized the opportunity to climb the leaderboard.
On Friday they posted a blistering seven‑under 65, propelling them into a share of second place after 36 holes. Their surge was matched by the American duo of Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who maintained the top spot with a round of 70 that featured back‑to‑back birdies, bringing their total to 16 under par—one stroke ahead of the Fitzpatricks and two strokes ahead of the next closest teams.
Going into the Saturday foursomes, Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick were six shots behind Smalley and Springer. The brothers responded by delivering the lowest round of the day, trimming the deficit to a single stroke and setting up a tense final round showdown. A victory in New Orleans would cap an extraordinary few months for the Fitzpatrick family. Matt, already ranked third in the Official World Golf Rankings after winning the Valspar Championship and the RBC Heritage—where he defeated world number one Scottie Scheffler in a playoff—would add another high‑profile triumph to his résumé.
Alex, who captured his first DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March, has also been in fine form, making the brothers a formidable pair. Other teams tied for second place include Davis Thompson with Austin Eckroat, and the pair of Billy Horschel and Tom Hoge, all sitting at 15 under. English representation is also strong: Aaron Rai, partnered with American Sahith Theegala, sits at 12 under, while Matt Wallace and Marco Penge are just one shot further back at 11 under. The Zurich Classic is unique on the PGA Tour as the only team‑based event, featuring a hybrid format.
The first and third rounds are played as four‑ball, where each golfer plays his own ball and the lower score on each hole counts for the team. The second and final rounds shift to foursomes, requiring partners to alternate shots with a single ball, alternating tee shots on each hole. After the initial 36 holes, the top 33 teams and any ties advance to the weekend competition.
In the event of a tie after 72 holes, a sudden‑death playoff determines the champion. This year’s tournament carries increased financial stakes. The prize fund has been raised from $9.2 million to $9.5 million, with the winning team set to split roughly 14.45 percent of the purse—about $1.372 million per player.
In addition to the monetary reward, each member of the victorious team will earn 400 FedExCup points, though no Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded for the event. The champions also secure coveted exemptions, including entry to the 2027 Players Championship and PGA Championship, as well as an automatic invitation to the Zurich Classic for the next two seasons.
While Lowry and Koepka’s early exit was disappointing for their fans, the tournament continues to showcase the depth and excitement of team golf on the PGA Tour. The Fitzpatrick brothers, riding a wave of recent successes, are poised to challenge for the title, and the American pair of Smalley and Springer remain in contention.
As the final round approaches, spectators can expect a tightly contested battle, with every shot potentially deciding the outcome in a format that blends individual skill with collaborative strategy. For those following the action, the latest leaderboard is available via external links, and fans can stream the PGA Tour without a contract, tune into the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, or check Sky Sports' live golf schedule.
Additional coverage, including updates on player performances and tournament news, can be followed on Sky Sports' WhatsApp channel, ensuring that enthusiasts stay informed about every twist and turn of the Zurich Classic.