Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick combined for a 7-under 65 in alternate-shot play to move within one stroke of leaders Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Smalley and Springer, who opened with a record-tying 58, posted 70 to lead at 16-under, with nine teams within two shots heading into the weekend.
Matt highlighted the round with a chip-in birdie on 18, while Alex contributed key putts, crediting his brother’s green-reading. Several teams remain in contention, including Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat, while five teams sit at 130.
Big names faltered as Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry missed the cut after costly bogeys. Meanwhile, Billy Horschel briefly tied the lead before finishing just behind. Defending champions Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak narrowly made the cut. With formats rotating and a tight leaderboard, the tournament is set for a competitive weekend.