Zurich Classic 2016: Thursday Leaderboard Scores and Highlights

Bad weather in Louisiana forced the first round of this year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans to be delayed for nearly five hours, and darkness led to play being suspended. But Brian Stuard had a blazing start and was able to finish 18 holes to take the lead at eight under par Thursday.

Weather delays at the event are nothing new, as Golf Channel’s Justin Ray noted:

This is the 8th round since 2010 at the Zurich Classic that has been suspended at some point due to weather (32% of rounds in that span)

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) April 28, 2016

Stuard was masterful with eight birdies and no bogeys en route to taking the lead. He will have to be on point when play resumes Friday, because Retief Goosen, who was also able to finish his round, is on his heels at seven under par. 

Here’s the leaderboard after play was suspended at the 2016 Zurich Classic:

As is often the case when a player posts a low number, putting was huge for Stuard on Thursday. The PGA Tour tweeted out the Michigan native’s putting distances on the front nine:

Putts made by leader Brian Stuard today:• 33 ft• 32 ft• 23 ft• 20 ft• 14 ft• 12 ft• 10 ft• 8 ft• 7 ftWow. …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com