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Smalley, Springer Retake Lead as Zurich Classic Battle Tightens in New Orleans

Posted : 25 April 2026

Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer reclaimed the lead at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans after a strong finish on Friday at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. The American duo closed their round with two birdies in the final three holes, bouncing back from late setbacks to edge ahead in a tightly packed leaderboard.

Starting on the back nine, Smalley and Springer recovered from bogeys earlier in their round to finish with a 2-under 70, moving them to 16-under 128 overall. Their late push included crucial birdies on holes seven and eight, helping them overtake several challengers in the unique team format event.

The English pair of Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick had earlier set the pace with a superb 7-under 65 in foursomes play, briefly holding the outright lead at 15 under. Their round featured a highlight eagle at the par-5 18th, where Matt holed a delicate pitch shot to spark a strong finish.

Both Fitzpatricks have shown improved form this season, with Matt rising near the top of the world rankings and Alex recently securing his first professional win. The brothers, who have competed together at the event since 2023, continue to benefit from their growing chemistry on the course.

Also in contention, the duo of Billy Horschel and Tom Hoge surged late with a strong finish, carding a 68 to remain tied at 15 under. Horschel, a past Zurich Classic winner, capitalized on several birdie chances down the stretch to keep his team in the hunt.

Six teams sit just two shots behind the leaders at 14 under, including the Norwegian pairing of Kristoffer Reitan and Kris Ventura, who posted one of the best rounds of the day.

The event’s cut line fell at 10 under, narrowing the field heading into the weekend. Notably, major champions Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry narrowly missed the cut by a single stroke after a mixed opening two rounds.

The Zurich Classic continues with its alternating team formats, where consistency and coordination remain key as the competition heads into the decisive weekend rounds.

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