Nick Hardy and Davis Riley win Zurich Classic, their first PGA Tour victory.
Nick Hardy and Davis Riley claimed their first PGA Tour victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The tournament was held at TPC Louisiana.
The pair had to finish strong to clinch the title
Hardy and Riley had to overcome a three-shot deficit on the final day to secure the title. They scored a 7-under 65 in the alternate-shot play, the format used for the final round. The duo birdied four of their final six holes to secure the victory.
Riley’s 33-foot birdie putt from the fringe on the par-3 17th was a highlight of their final round. They did not make a single bogey in the final two rounds, keeping them in striking distance until they surged in front with five back-nine birdies on Sunday.
Exemption for the PGA Championship next month
The victory has earned both players a two-year exemption and qualifies them for the PGA Championship next month at Oak Hill. They also received alligator skin championship belts, Mardi Gras-style bead necklaces and a total prize money of $1.24 million.
The pair had only teamed up together after Nick Hardy had texted Davis Riley a few weeks before the tournament asking if he would be his playing partner.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the duo, who are good friends on and off the course. The two champions have a long history together, having met as teenagers at a junior event. “I always felt that my time was coming,” said Riley. “To win this tournament with one of my closest friends, who is also an incredibly talented golfer, makes me feel like there is no limit to what we can achieve in the future.”
Hadwin and Taylor, two Canadians, tied for second, two shots back, while Clark and Hossler finished in third, three shots back.
