Zurich Classic of New Orleans final round preview: Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay dominating

Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay went into this week hoping that the unusual format would kickstart their years and after 54 holes they are mighty close to getting just that.

Schauffele has landed just one top 10 since winning the gold medal and the Olympics last summer - and failed to make the weekend in three of his last four starts.

Cue fourball fun.

No matter, the two birdies and one eagle on the front nine and eight back nine birdies were enough to open up what looks like a very strong lead heading into Sunday.

54-hole tournament record (-29)

Largest 54-hole lead in tournament history (5).@Patrick_Cantlay and @XSchauffele are rolling in Nola. pic.twitter.com/iL6Js7iXD5

The South Africans Garrick Higgo and Branden Grace carded a 63 to be solo second on 24-under. Horschel and Sam Burns sit alongside Jason Day and Jason Scrivener, and Aaron Rai and David Lipsky, a further shot behind.

What a finish for Team Cantlay/Schauffele:

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Par

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Leaders by FIVE heading into Sunday. pic.twitter.com/7cnhkvFczq

So, six pairings have ended 72 holes on top of the leaderboard - and five of them were tied third or better with one lap to play. Four were within one shot of the lead and five within three. It's bad news for the chasers.

Cantlay: "It's a format like today you're just trying to birdie every single hole, and tomorrow will be more patient, solid, smart golf, and that's something we're both really good at, so we're looking forward to the challenge."

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