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Smalley, Springer Lead; Fitzpatrick Brothers Rise to Tie

4/25/2026

35 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Smalley Leads

Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick moved to a tie for second after a 7-under 65, behind the leaders.
Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer held the solo lead at 16 under after a round of 70.
The cut line was 10 under, allowing the top 33 teams and ties to advance.
The $9.5 million purse awards the team $1.372 million, 400 FedExCup points per player, with four-ball Thursday/Saturday and alternate-shot foursomes Friday/Sunday.

Summary

Fitzpatrick Zurich Classic

Alex Fitzpatrick entered the Zurich Classic on a sponsor exemption after his Hero Indian Open win.
A win would give Alex a two-year PGA Tour exemption, easing travel for parents Russ and Sue.
The brothers have played the Zurich Classic together for four years, calling New Orleans a “second home.”
Alex’s DP World Tour win after a six-shot rally created the first back-to-back brother victories on PGA and DP tours.

Summary

Fitzpatrick Launch

Michael Brennan struck his ball from the 18th’s water edge, sending muddy water flying.
Johnny Keefer followed with a birdie putt, leaving the duo three strokes behind the leaders.
A sizable crowd gathered at the first tee to watch the Fitzpatrick brothers launch alongside Lowry and Koepka.
The Zurich Classic’s team format, the PGA Tour’s only one this year, has been praised for a festive atmosphere.

History

Historical Context

The Zurich Classic joins a wave of PGA Tour events that have embraced new formats, a trend that accelerated after the 2012 shift to a 72-hole schedule. That same year Adam Hadwin recorded a 59, highlighting the tour’s appetite for fresh competition. Today, brothers Matt and Tom Fitzpatrick compete at the New Orleans venue, linking the event to DP World Tour success.

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Smalley Leads

Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick moved to a tie for second after a 7-under 65, behind the leaders.
Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer held the solo lead at 16 under after a round of 70.
The cut line was 10 under, allowing the top 33 teams and ties to advance.
The $9.5 million purse awards the team $1.372 million, 400 FedExCup points per player, with four-ball Thursday/Saturday and alternate-shot foursomes Friday/Sunday.

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