Power Rankings: Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Here are the Power Rankings for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans:
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Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele: The defending champions finished T4 last year and are considered the duo to beat. With their past success in the tournament and their current sparkling form, they are the dream team.
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Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris: Both players are putting aside their individual roles to form an alliance for this week. Zalatoris had a T4 finish in 2022, and Theegala is coming off a second-place finish at the RBC Heritage.
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Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin: The Canadian pair teamed up for the first time last year and finished second. Since Taylor's victory at the WM Phoenix Open, Hadwin has recorded a pair of top-five finishes.
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Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry: McIlroy is making a rare debut in this event, looking to gain momentum after a season with limited top finishes. Lowry has shown promise with recent solid finishes on the Florida Swing.
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Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama: Both players have competed individually in this event before but are teaming up for the first time. Morikawa's recent strong finishes at the Masters and RBC Heritage indicate his form, while Kitayama has been consistent.
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Tom Hoge and Maverick McNealy: McNealy has regained form after an injury, while Hoge brings experience and a pair of top 15 finishes in this format.
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Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick: The brothers had a strong debut last year and have since shown consistent play. Alex's rise in the Official World Golf Ranking adds to their potential.
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Nicolai Højgaard and Rasmus Højgaard: The Danish brothers form a first-time union in this tournament, bringing their individual dynamic threats together.
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Taylor Moore and Matt NeSmith: This pairing has been consistent with T4 finishes in the past two editions of the tournament.
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Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith: This first-time pairing of Canadians brings together Conners' experience with Pendrith's recent strong performance at Corales Puntacana.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans features a unique format with two-man teams competing in better ball and alternate shot rounds. The tournament offers exemptions and FedExCup points to winners, along with exemptions into future events. TPC Louisiana presents its challenges with its par 72 layout and overseeded Bermudagrass greens. With favorable weather expected, teams will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and contend for victory.
