Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay Enter Zurich Classic History Books With Final Round Display

The Zurich Classic 2021 concluded in grand fashion. The tournament once again saw Cameron Smith emerge as the champion, but he had a different teammate this time. On the other hand, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay did not pose a major threat in the final round, but the pair achieved a major feat. 

The Zurich Classic is the only two-team tournament on the PGA Tour. Moreover, it switches between the foursome and four-ball format between rounds, and it gets challenging for the players. 

The second and final rounds are always played in the four-some (alternate-shot) format, where the players have to switch between each shot through 18 holes. It becomes a team task where both players need to be at their best to shoot a low score. 

The alternate-shot format is generally not received with a great reception since it is tiring. Schauffele and Cantlay felt the wrath of it in Round 2 at the Zurich Classic but improved the result in the final round. 

Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay match Zurich Classic birdie record 

Schauffele and Cantlay shot 2-over 74 in their first foursome round at the Zurich Classic. The over-par score made them lose spots on the leaderboard, but the duo admirably improved their display in the subsequent rounds. 

The experienced pair shot 4-under 68 in Round 3 four-ball format and then made the joint best score at TPC Louisiana on Sunday. It is never easy to get a good score in the foursome format, but Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay were all about the focus in the final round. 

The duo made eight birdies en route to their 5-under 67 which enthralled the viewers. Furthermore, the birdie count also tied the Zurich Classic foursome record which was previously held by (Ryan Ruffells/Kyle Stanley/R1/2017 and Corey Conners/Mackenzie Hughes/R2/ 2019). 

Now, Schauffele and Cantlaty are also a part of this special list. Their brilliant display did not earn them a place atop the leaderboard, but the duo produced one of the low rounds of the tournament in the alternate-shot format. 

Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay finished tied for 11th place at the Zurich Classic 2021. Their 15-under par was no match in front of the winners, but the pair can always take away the positives from the tournament!

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