De Jonge and Weekley set early pace

24 April 2015 07:01

Brendon de Jonge and Boo Weekley beat a downpour to set the early pace in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Zimbabwean De Jonge shot an eight-under 64 to take a share of first place with Weekley, who signed for the same score before heavy rain swept across TPC Louisiana to force a 78-minute break in play.

The first round was ultimately suspended with 12 players still on the course and second-round play will commence at 0800 local time while those in need wrap up their opening rounds from 0900.

De Jonge, who is seeking his first win on the PGA Tour, found four birdies on each side of the course and later told the tour's official website: " I left a couple out there.

"I think everybody finishes a round and thinks they could do a little better. But anytime I shoot a 64 I'm not going to get greedy.

"I feel like my game is solid at the moment. I'm hitting everything fairly well. Nothing exceptional, but it feels like everything's kind of turning in the right direction.''

Weekley and De Jonge hold a one-shot lead over Sean O'Hair and David Hearn, with the former of the leading duo recording one eagle, seven birdies and a single bogey while needing only 26 putts.

"I've been struggling with my irons the past month or so and finally I got some shafts that work,'' he said.

"I used them in Wednesday's pro-am and came away feeling really good. Finally, I can control the distance and the trajectory and the numbers.

"And it helps when you're really putting well. When you put the two together, you can shoot pretty good.

"Plus, I'm back on Bermuda grass, I'm close to home (Milton, Florida) and I love the heat. What's not to like?''

Trailing O'Hair and Hearn by another stroke are Daniel Berger, Erik Compton and Mark Hubbard together with Englishmen Brian Davis and Greg Owen, all players shooting six-under rounds of 66.

Source: PA