Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer fired a 14-under-par 58 on the opening day of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, putting them one shot ahead in the PGA Tour's only team event at TPC Louisiana.

Smalley set the tone with a birdie-eagle-birdie start, while Springer finished strong, racking up birdies on the final four holes (Nos. 15-18). Their impressive performance led them to the top spot, though Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat weren't far behind, shooting a 13-under 59 to sit just one stroke off the lead.

The unique event features 74 teams, with players competing in two different formats. In the first and third rounds, teams play four-ball (best ball), while the second and fourth rounds are contested under the foursomes (alternate shot) format. The top 33 teams and ties will make the cut after 36 holes.

Smalley and Springer, who have known each other for years, formed a partnership that seemed destined for success. Smalley’s caddie, Don Donatello, had caddied for Springer in the past, and both players are seeking their first PGA Tour win. Smalley explained how their connection helped them gel on the course.

“They're still really good friends," Smalley said of Donatello and Springer. "We knew we would have a good time out there, and we did. Hayden and I were in the same year in college and both played some amateur golf together. It's nice to link up with him. He's a great teammate.”

Springer echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of supporting each other throughout the round.

“For me, it’s kind of nice to have somebody out there with you to feed off of," Springer said. "You pick each other up where you can. Even when Alex makes a birdie, it feels like I made a birdie too. It keeps you going in that way.”

The competition is tight, with Sam Stevens and Zach Bauchou, Nick Dunlap and Gordon Sargent, and Eric Cole and Hank Lebioda tied for third at 12 under. A large group, including Billy Horschel and Tom Hoge, sits at 61. Defending champions Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin carded a 7-under 65.

Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry, a new pairing, finished with a 6-under 66, tied for 50th place.

Thompson and Eckroat’s 13-under performance included a remarkable 10-under run over nine holes, with Eckroat eagleing the par-5 seventh and the duo birdieing each of the next eight holes.

Despite the shift to the alternate shot format on Friday, Eckroat remains optimistic about their chances.

"It's a lot harder to make birdies in alternate shot, but I feel like both of our games are in really good spots," Eckroat said. "We’re both driving it well, and our irons are on point. I wouldn’t be surprised if we go out and have a good day tomorrow as well.”

The second round of the Zurich Classic will see the teams switch gears for a tougher format, but the leaderboard remains tightly packed with many strong contenders vying for the title.

-Field Level Media/Reuters