PGA Tour rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo sent shockwaves through the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on Thursday, firing a tournament-record 14-under-par 58 in the opening round’s four-ball format to seize a one-stroke lead at TPC Louisiana.
The lifelong friends, who bonded over junior golf, combined for an eagle and 13 birdies, including a blistering front-nine 26. Salinda led the charge with eight birdies and an eagle on the par-5 7th hole, while Velo contributed five birdies, all on the front nine.
“He one-putted damn near every green,” Velo said of Salinda’s red-hot putting. “I sprinkled in some birdies, but I was on his back the whole day.”
Their 58 eclipsed the previous four-ball record of 59, set by Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele in 2022 and matched earlier Thursday by Danish twins Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard, who sit one shot back at 13-under.
Salinda, ranked No. 163 in the world, and Velo, No. 363, leaned on their chemistry to navigate the team event.
“It’s more important to play with someone you enjoy,” Salinda said. “We’ve been looking forward to this for a while.”
Despite their scorching start, the duo faces a tougher test in Friday’s alternate-shot format. “It’s definitely going to be harder,” Salinda admitted, “but if we keep playing solid golf, we’ll be fine.”
Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry carded an 8-under 64, trailing by six shots. The field now braces for a challenging second round as Salinda and Velo aim to maintain their historic pace.
