5 things from Zurich Classic of New Orleans shows four 61s, including Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry

AVONDALE, La. – There is only one event on the PGA Tour where an opening-round score of 64 could land you in a tie for 20th, the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana. The course is not a pushover, but the tournament’s two-man team format combined with foursomes competition in the first round lends itself to seriously low scores.

After the first day of play, four teams share the lead at 11-under 61: Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard; Patton Kizzire and Ben Kohles; David Lipsky and Aaron Rai; and Ryder Cup stars Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy.

On Friday, the tournament format changes to foursomes, which is also known as alternate shot. The low 33 teams (and ties) will make the cut and qualify for the weekend.

Several players commented after their round that with birdies and low scores everywhere, it is easier to get a real sense of who is in the best position in the tournament after Friday’s action concludes. That may be true, but here are five things we learned on Thursday at TPC Louisiana.