Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor know each other’s game inside out, which explains why they are once again near the top of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans leaderboard at 12 under.
At last year’s Zurich Classic, the Canadian finished alone in second place at 28 under par, two strokes behind first-time winners Nick Hardy and Davis Riley. A similar style of keeping the ball in play and finding plenty of greens saw him shoot up the leaderboard last year with a 9-under 63 in Sunday’s alternative shot format.
“I rode the momentum after Sunday’s round last year. I started Sunday a little behind, but I was able to make a big push there,” Taylor explained after shooting a 3-under 69 on Friday’s alternate shot.
“So after two days we are in a very good situation. The weather forecast says it’s windy and it was like that today too, so I think we’ll get used to it, but it’ll be a little tough. Hopefully, [on Saturday]You’ll get a good one there and it’ll last you a lifetime on Sunday. ”
Winds were gusting up to 40 km/h in TPC, Louisiana on Friday and will remain strong throughout the weekend.
That would create difficult conditions for the field, but the wind won’t affect the Canadians.
“We’ll meet tonight, but I don’t think we’re worried about what’s going to happen tomorrow. We’re going to watch a hockey game tonight and hang out and have fun together,” Hadwin said.
“Let’s see what happens [Saturday] bring.There are two cracks in every hole [with the best ball format]. So, keep giving me birdie chances. Again, I love this alternating shot format of the game. I just stayed consistent, didn’t make too many mistakes, and made both putts very well.I think [Saturday] Rather, let’s make sure we’re in a position where we’re right there, and if we are, I like the chance. ”
Every player on the field will be looking for a birdie on Saturday, knowing that playing two balls per group will take the pressure off. But the key to alternative shots is to limit mistakes and maintain position, and this duo does that well.
“If you get out of position, you think very smart about your next shot,” Hadwin added.
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“I’m just trying to give myself a chance to stand up.”
In addition to reducing mistakes, it also helps to get to know each other better. That may explain why Ryder Cup stars Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry sit atop the leaderboard at 13 under.
However, Hodin and Taylor have known each other since they were teenagers. They also played together at the 2018 Golf World Cup in Australia, where they tied for fourth place.
However, this is only his second appearance at the Zurich Classic, and so far it has been a success.
“It felt like the first five or six years this event changed. [to a team event]our schedules just didn’t align,” Taylor said.
“I remember I couldn’t attend this event because I had a wedding for a very good friend. We came together last year as well and we played great. So we decided to bring it back. I did it, and it was a lot of fun.”
Canadians like Joel Damen and Keith Mitchell are having a lot of fun. But now they have their sights set on winning the trophy on Sunday night. Given their similar styles, friendliness, and easy-going personalities, they’re more likely than anyone to emerge victorious in The Big Easy.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
