Zhang Xinjun, Dou Zecheng share lead at Zurich Classic

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01:30

The Chinese pair of Zhang Xinjun and Dou Zecheng lead the pack alongside the American pair of Chez Reavie and Lucas Glover at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.

Despite having low world rankings, the Chinese duo picked off birdies at their final three holes to sit atop the leaderboard after the first round on Thursday.

Zhang and Dou were the first two players from China to earn PGA Tour membership and, rubbing shoulders with some of the game's elite, they carded 12-under-par 60 in the four ball (best ball) format at TPC Louisiana.

Chinese golfer Dou Zecheng in action at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. /VCG Photo‍

Dou, ranked 476th in the world, hit a 30-foot putt for birdie at the last as the pair joined Reavie and Glover in the lead, while six other teams shot 62.

30-year-old Zhang, who is a two-time PGA Tour China winner, is ranked 301st in the world.

Interestingly, the Zurich Classic is the only official event on the PGA Tour with a team format and it also uses four ball (best ball) in the first and third rounds, and (alternate shot) foursomes in the second and final rounds.