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Smalley, Springer Lead Zurich Classic; $9.5M Purse.

4/25/2026

50 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Smalley Springer Lead

Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer led after a 70-shot round at 16 under in the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.
Matt Fitzpatrick and his brother Alex shot a seven-under 65 on Friday to share second place at 15 under.
The Zurich Classic purse rose to $9.5 million, allocating about $1.372 million to the winning team.
Each winner will receive 400 FedExCup points and a two-year exemption to play the Zurich Classic.

Summary

Fitzpatrick Eyes Zurich

A Zurich Classic win would give Alex Fitzpatrick a two-year PGA Tour exemption and PGA Championship entry.
He won the Hero Indian Open with a six-shot comeback, giving the brothers back-to-back weekly victories.
Both call the Zurich Classic a “second home” for its relaxed, family-focused vibe.
Matt Fitzpatrick is No. 3 in the FedExCup while Alex is seventh in Race to Dubai and says joining his brother’s winners’ ranks is nice.

Summary

Fitzpatrick Calls Four-Ball

Matt Fitzpatrick, world No. 3, urged the PGA Tour to add a four-ball round at the Zurich Classic after his Valspar and RBC Heritage wins.
Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick posted a 7-under 65 in the foursomes round, their fourth year as the “Big Easy.”
Alex Fitzpatrick said a Zurich Classic win would grant a two-year exemption, easing his parents’ travel, while brothers argued the Friday-Sunday schedule limits spectator thrills.

History

Historical Context

In 2017 the PGA Tour turned the long-running Zurich Classic—first held in 1938 and hosted at TPC Louisiana—into a team-stroke-play event with 80 pairs, a $9 million purse and 400 FedExCup points for the winners. That change gave the victorious duo a two-year exemption, a benefit now sought by brothers Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick in the 2024 field.

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Smalley Springer Lead

Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer led after a 70-shot round at 16 under in the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.
Matt Fitzpatrick and his brother Alex shot a seven-under 65 on Friday to share second place at 15 under.
The Zurich Classic purse rose to $9.5 million, allocating about $1.372 million to the winning team.
Each winner will receive 400 FedExCup points and a two-year exemption to play the Zurich Classic.

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