The Starter: Round 3, Zurich Classic of New Orleans

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The thirdround of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans is set to begin. CBS will televise live action beginning at 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. local time).

Groups we're watching

Tee time Players   12:52 p.m. ET No. 1 Luke Donald, David Mathis Both players are outside the top 140 on TOUR in driving distance this season, but both are within striking distance. Donald could become the world No. 1 with a win. 1:02 p.m. ET No. 1 Tommy Gainey, Steve Stricker Sure to be one of the day's popular pairings, Gainey is emerging as a force on TOUR much like Stricker did during his 2006 resurgence. 1:11 p.m. ET No. 1 Webb Simpson, Dean Wilson Simpson has five top-25 finishes in his last six starts including a runner-up mark at Innisbrook. He's contending once again at TPC Louisiana. 1:30 p.m. ET No. 1 John Rollins, John Senden These two veterans have four TOUR victories between them but none since 2008. Senden posted a bogey-free 67 on Friday. 1:40 p.m. ET No. 1 Bubba Watson, Josh Teater Watson has played 11 of 36 holes under par to lead, but Teater has the round of the tournament thus far -- which could have been better if not for a double on No. 18.

MORE ROUND 3: Tee times | ROUND 2: Scores | Wrap-up | TOUR Report notes

KEY ROUND 2 VIDEO:
• Brandt Snedeker jarred this approach shot from 108 yards out on the par-5 7th for eagle.
• Playing in the same group, as Snedeker, Toms matched the feat on the par-5 11th hole.
• Scott Gutschewski joined in on the fun with this eagle on No. 18 to close his second round.

Round 3 weather forecast

Mostly Sunny Temp: 85 high/72 low Mostly sunny with winds around 15 mph.

ShotLink Player notes

Here are some of the players you'll see on the Golf Channel's coverage of Friday's second round

BUBBA WATSON This week, Watson continues his strong tee-to-green game leading the field in both total driving and ball striking. Through two rounds, hes hit a field leading 31 of 36 (86 percent) greens in regulation compared to the field average of 60 percent. Watson is also the only player in the field with more than one eagle through 36 holes. JOSH TEATER Teater caught fire with the putter on the greens of TPC Louisiana in the 2nd round Friday. He converted eight putts of 8 feet or longer including a career-long 72-foot, 11-inch putt on the 3rd hole. For the week, hes converted an impressive nine putts from outside 10 feet (2nd most in the field). JOHN ROLLINS Through two rounds, Rollins has missed just eight greens in regulation (T-4th in the field). Of the eight greens missed hes successfully salvaged par or better seven times (88% - 2nd in the field for scrambling).

- ShotLink notes provided by Alex Turnbull