Sat Apr 26 13:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Zurich Classic: Record-Setting Start as McIlroy and Lowry Chase Leaders
**AVONDALE, La. –** The Zurich Classic of New Orleans got off to a sizzling start Thursday, with PGA Tour rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo setting a new tournament record with a stunning 10-under 62 in the better-ball format. Their performance left defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry six strokes behind despite the Irish duo’s impressive 8-under 64.
McIlroy, playing his first tournament since his Masters victory, and Lowry overcame a slow start, with Lowry contributing three early birdies. McIlroy highlighted his round with a nearly 20-foot birdie putt on the first and an eagle on the par-5 second, reaching 8-under before a double-bogey on the sixth. Despite the setback, McIlroy remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of the alternate-shot rounds on Friday and Sunday.
Danish identical twins Nicolai and Rasmus Holgaard sit in second place at 7-under, one stroke ahead of several teams tied at 61, including Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama. Adam Schenk and Tyler Duncan impressed with a 63, featuring an albatross for Schenk on the seventh hole.
A large gallery greeted McIlroy early Thursday morning, showcasing the excitement surrounding his return to the course after a brief illness earlier in the week. The tournament continues with alternate-shot play on Friday, followed by better-ball on Saturday and concluding with alternate-shot on Sunday. The chase is on for Salinda and Velo’s record-breaking lead.
First Piper 