The 2025 Zurich Classic kicked off with a record-breaking opening round at TPC Louisiana. After twins Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard matched the tournament record by scoring a 13-under 59, PGA Tour newcomers Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo surpassed them, recording a remarkable first-round score of 58 in the four-ball format.
Salinda and Velo’s remarkable 58 not only outpaced the Højgaard twins’ 59, but it also broke the previous record set by Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, who had opened the 2022 tournament with a 59 and eventually won it.
“He played great and made a lot of putts. It felt like he one-putted almost every green,” Velo commented about Salinda. “It’s easy to play well when your partner is on fire. Salinda had some crucial par saves on the back nine, and overall, we supported each other well, with me chipping in some birdies when necessary. I was mostly riding on his coattails throughout the day.”
The duo’s strong start was evident as Salinda quickly tallied a couple of birdies. Velo joined in with a birdie on the par-3 3rd hole, but Salinda dominated early, sinking three consecutive birdies from holes 4 to 6, capping it off with a birdie on the par-5 7th. They stood at 8 under after just seven holes, with Velo contributing more birdies on holes 8 and 9, closing the front nine with an impressive total of only 26 strokes.
Although birdies were harder to come by on the back nine, the pair managed to stay strong, reaching 13 under. When Velo faced challenges toward the end, Salinda kept the momentum going, adding a birdie on hole 16 to push their total to 14 under.
“I think it’s essential to play with someone you enjoy,” Salinda said. “This format is special, as we only get to play it once a year, and we’ve been close friends since our junior golfing days. We were eagerly anticipating this event together.”
Heading into Friday, Salinda and Velo hold a slim one-stroke lead over the Højgaard twins and a three-stroke advantage over the rest of the competitors. The teams will switch to a more challenging foursomes format (alternate shot) on Friday, meaning those trailing will have to intensify their efforts to catch up.
