Cantlay and Schauffele "Win Zurich Classic as '2-Person Team'"... "Love Team Battle"

Zurich Classic Final Day Even Par 'Wire to Wire Victory', Hoshal and Burns 2 Strokes Behind in 2nd Place

Patrick Cantlay (left) and Xander Schauffele topped the '2-man team battle' at the Zurich Classic. Avondale, USA = Getty Images / MultiBits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Wire-to-wire victory."

'Playoff (PO) champ' Patrick Cantlay and 'Tokyo Olympics Gold' Xander Schauffele secured a two-stroke win (29-under 259) by maintaining an even-par score on the final day of the PGA Tour's '2-man team battle' Zurich Classic (total prize money $8.3 million) held on the 25th (Korean time) at Avondale Louisiana Golf Club (par 72, 7,425 yards) in Avondale, Louisiana, USA. The winner's prize money is $1.2 million (?1.49 billion) each. The 1st and 3rd rounds were played in Four-ball format (each player plays their own ball and the better score is counted), while the 2nd and 4th rounds were played in Foursomes format (two players alternate shots playing one ball).

Although they stumbled with one eagle, one birdie, and three bogeys, the advantage of starting with a five-stroke lead was significant. Cantlay and Schauffele were especially strong in Four-ball, posting 13-under 59 on the first day and 12-under 60 on the third day. On this day, they showcased their 'fantastic chemistry' with an eagle on the 7th hole (par 5), but consecutive bogeys on the 9th and 10th holes slowed them down. Fortunately, they bounced back with a birdie on the 11th hole (par 5). The bogey on the final 18th hole (par 5) occurred during the process where Cantlay conceded the champion putt to Schauffele after the victory was already secured.

It is interesting that this is the first win of the 2022 season for both players. Cantlay, moreover, was a four-time winner last year. In the 2020-2021 season, he won the Zozo Championship in October 2020, the Memorial Tournament in June 2021, the BMW Championship (the second PO event) in August, and the Tour Championship (the final PO event) in September, hitting the 'jackpot' of $15 million (?18.65 billion). However, this year, he has only finished as runner-up twice, including a loss in a playoff against Jordan Spieth on the final day of the RBC Heritage which ended on the 18th. Billy Horschel and Sam Burns (both from the USA) finished in 2nd place (27-under 261).

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