Zurich Classic Tees Off

⛳️ The Zurich Classic of New Orleans tees off tomorrow, marking the one-and-only team event on the PGA Tour schedule. This unique format brings a different kind of excitement, with golfers strategizing and competing alongside a partner for a shot at the championship trophy.

Expect sunny skies and comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s (around 24°C) throughout the competition, making for ideal playing conditions.

It also brings us a bit of a deviation from our weekly GolfStats Insider Newsletter, so bear with us. We thought it would be a little fun for a little Q&A action for this week since it is a different twist on the PGA Tour. 😀 

Ok, softball question first. What is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans?
It is a PGA Tour team event held at TPC Louisiana and features 80 teams competing in an alternating round format. Master architect Pete Dye designed the course which features plenty of water and over 100 bunkers.

Why did they change to this team format?
The team format of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans began in 2017. This marked a significant change from the traditional stroke-play format typically seen on the PGA Tour. Since then, the tournament has continued to feature the unique team dynamic, adding an extra layer of excitement for players and fans alike.

What are the two formats used in the tournament?
The first and third rounds will be Four-ball (best ball), and the second and fourth rounds will be Foursomes (alternate shot). This format started in 2017.

How are the teams formed?
There are 160 players comprising the 80 two-man teams. The top 80 available players on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) are eligible to compete.

Interesting. So how do they go about choosing teammates?
Once the players know they are eligible, they can then select a partner for the event. Players can team up with whomever they like but both have to be PGA Tour members (unless he is chosen as a tournament sponsor exemption).

Who won last year?
Nick Hardy and Davis Riley were last year's victors and will be looking to defend their title after a record-breaking performance in 2023. They carded a staggering 30-under par to secure the win by two strokes.

Has anyone ever been on the winning team more than once?
Cameron Smith won in 2017, with Jonas Blixt, in the inaugural team format and then again with Marc Leishman in 2021.

Who are the favorites this year?
Now we are getting to the good stuff. 💰️ 

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the team of Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele return as favorites this year. Here's a look at the top contenders and their odds (at time of publish):

Who do you like in the Zurich Classic?
For the value based on the odds above, I like the Canadian tandem of Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor at least to finish in the top 10. They finished 2 strokes back in 2023.

The combo of Will Zalatoris and Sahith Theegala is intriguing too. Both playing great golf of late and their games compliment one another.

Come on, give me a longer shot. You know these favorites are susceptible.
Fine, if you must. Take a flyer on the returning champs to place in the top 10 at +400 and the Hojgaard brothers at +2800 to win. I know, that is a cop out but I value my dollars!

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