Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Top Teams and Format Preview
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans returns this week with its signature team format, promising excitement, chemistry, and strategy. Held at TPC Louisiana, the event breaks from traditional stroke-play, offering fans a refreshing dose of competitive fun—complete with walk-up songs and team names. With 80 two-man teams in play, the tournament continues to stand out on the PGA TOUR calendar.
This year’s field includes major champions, rising stars, and seasoned veterans, all eyeing a share of glory. One of the most anticipated pairings is Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. Fresh off his career Grand Slam win at the Masters, McIlroy returns to action with momentum, while Lowry, equally driven, is keen to secure another team trophy. Together, they top the power rankings as defending champions.
Close behind them is the formidable duo of Billy Horschel and Tom Hoge. Horschel, a past Zurich winner, brings extensive course success, and Hoge, in strong form, adds consistency. Their combined experience makes them serious contenders.
Another European team to watch is Thomas Detry and Robert MacIntyre. After a top-10 finish in their debut last year, both have since captured their first PGA TOUR wins. Their complementary styles make them an exciting dark horse pick.
Teams such as J.T. Poston with Keith Mitchell, and Nico Echavarria paired with Max Greyserman, round out the top five. Poston and Mitchell bring personality and form, while Echavarria and Greyserman are building off a surprise T4 finish last year. This chemistry and confidence could take them far again.
The unique format of the Zurich Classic adds to the excitement. The opening and third rounds use the “best ball” method, where only the lower score per hole counts for the team. This often leads to extremely low scores, with mid-60s commonly posted. In contrast, the second and fourth rounds feature alternate shot, a format known for producing higher scores and testing team synergy and nerves.
After two rounds, the top 33 teams and ties will make the cut. The tournament record of 30-under-par was set just last year by Nick Hardy and Davis Riley. On average, winning scores land around 25-under, showcasing the scoring opportunities at TPC Louisiana.
Now in its eighth year as a team event, the Zurich Classic rewards the winning duo with 400 FedExCup points each and exemptions into prestigious events like the PGA Championship, The Sentry, and THE PLAYERS Championship. However, Official World Golf Ranking points are not awarded due to the team format.
The course itself plays at 7,425 yards and features TifEagle Bermudagrass greens, making past experience valuable. Weather forecasts are favorable, with mid-80s temperatures and minimal rain expected during tournament rounds. While wind could be a factor, it’s unlikely to replicate the gusty conditions seen in the Dominican Republic last week.
As always, the Zurich Classic offers a thrilling twist to the PGA TOUR, celebrating camaraderie, precision, and the pursuit of victory—together.
