ZURICH CLASSIC OF NEW ORLEANS

April 25, 2025

Isaiah Salinda

Kevin Velo

TPC Louisiana

Quick Quotes

Q. 3-under today entering the weekend solo leaders. Kevin, sum up today's round.

KEVIN VELO: Yeah, overall really solid. I think we played really to our strengths today. We both missed a couple short ones that kind of led to our bogeys, but besides that, we played pretty flawless. We feed off each other really easily, and I know how to club off him, and we're talking through shots out there, so we know exactly what we're trying to do, and both of our caddies working together, it seems like a really good team.

Q. Between today's format and yesterday's, is there a preference you like to play between the two?

ISAIAH SALINDA: I mean, we like both. I know best ball is obviously where you can take it deep and take it low, but I think the way we play, alternate shot is -- I like our chances in alternate shot versus anyone in the field. Yeah, I think tomorrow we just keep playing how we're playing, set ourselves up for Sunday and give ourselves a shot, and I think alternate shot is kind of our strength.

Q. Obviously you guys have a strong friendship. Heading into this week, how far out did you know you were going to play together, and did you practice this format?

KEVIN VELO: Yeah, I asked him in October right when we graduated. But we kind of made the final decision in December. Yeah, we've been looking forward to this for a long time.

Q. I know you guys banter a lot with each other. It's all playful. But today's format, was that banter the same or did you have to kind of --

ISAIAH SALINDA: It's the same. I'm obviously not going to rip him after I chunks a chip like he did, absolutely duffs one. I'm not going to say anything, but he knows. I don't have to say anything.

KEVIN VELO: There's that added pressure, honestly, when I know I'm going to get a little banter from him. It honestly fires me up just as much as anybody else. It's really cool to play with one of your buddies, and to be out here leading is awesome.

Q. Entering as solo leaders, is there any strategy or anything that you want to clean up heading into Saturday?

ISAIAH SALINDA: No. I think there's not a ton of strategy tomorrow. I think Sunday we might change who's teeing off on odds and evens. But there's not a ton of strategy tomorrow.