PGA Tour Players Love the Zurich Classic of New Orleans
The PGA Tour heads to Louisiana for the unique team-format Zurich Classic of New Orleans. It is scheduled for April 24-27, 2025, at TPC Louisiana. This comprehensive preview will cover everything you need to know about this distinctive event on the tour calendar. This tournament is a lot of fun for the players and the fans.
Can any new teams of these young golfers compete with the heavyweights in this tournament? It will be interesting to see. This concept is unique and a great way to give the golfing world something different.
Tournament Basics
Dates: April 24-27, 2025
Location: TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana
Course: 7,425 yards, par 72
Purse: $9.2 million (expected, based on recent increases)
Format: 72-hole team event
Field Size: 80 teams (160 players)
Defending Champions: Sahith Theegala and Davis Riley (2024)
How to Watch the PGA Tour Zurich Classic
Television Coverage:
- Thursday & Friday: 3:30-6:30 PM ET (Golf Channel)
- Saturday: 1:00-3:00 PM ET (Golf Channel), 3:00-6:00 PM ET (CBS)
- Sunday: 1:00-3:00 PM ET (Golf Channel), 3:00-6:00 PM ET (CBS)
Streaming Options:
- ESPN+ will feature early coverage throughout all four rounds
- Peacock will simulcast all Golf Channel coverage
- Paramount+ will simulcast all CBS coverage
- PGA Tour Live will offer featured groups and featured holes throughout the tournament
Radio:
- PGA Tour Radio on SiriusXM (Channel 92) and streaming on the SiriusXM app
Tournament Format
The Zurich Classic stands apart as the PGA Tour’s only official team event, featuring a unique format that tests different skills throughout the competition:
Rounds 1 & 3 (Thursday & Saturday): Foursomes (alternate shot)
- Partners alternate hitting the same ball until the hole is completed
- One player tees off on odd-numbered holes, the other on even-numbered holes
- This format rewards precision and teamwork as mistakes can’t be easily overcome
Rounds 2 & 4 (Friday & Sunday): Four-Ball (best ball)
- Each player plays their own ball throughout the hole
- The team’s score for each hole is the lower of the two individual scores
- This format typically yields lower scores as teams can be more aggressive
Cut Line: The field will be reduced to the low 35 teams (plus ties) after 36 holes
Weather Forecast
Based on historical patterns for late April in New Orleans, here’s the projected forecast:
Thursday: Partly cloudy, high of 78°F, winds 8-12 mph Friday: Mostly sunny, high of 80°F, winds 5-10 mph Saturday: Humidity increasing, high of 82°F, chance of afternoon thunderstorms (40%) Sunday: Partly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms possible (30%), high of 79°F
New Orleans weather can be unpredictable in spring. There is a possibility of pop-up thunderstorms. Humidity could affect playing conditions. Players will need to be prepared for potential delays and changing conditions.
Course Overview: TPC Louisiana
TPC Louisiana, designed by Pete Dye with input from PGA Tour players Steve Elkington and Kelly Gibson, provides a fair but challenging test:
- Opened in 2004, renovated in 2019-2020
- Features over 100 bunkers and water hazards on multiple holes
- Cypress trees and native Louisiana wetlands frame many fairways
- Bermuda grass fairways with TifEagle Bermuda greens
- Known for its risk-reward closing stretch, particularly the drivable par-4 16th and the island green par-3 17th
The course rewards strategic thinking and teamwork, making it ideal for this format. The closing holes typically provide drama with scoring opportunities balanced by significant risk.
Top Teams and Odds
Tournament Favorites
- Kurt Kitayama & Collin Morikawa (+1400)
- Morikawa is ranked 4th in the world and has been playing steady golf, as usual. Look for him to stay strong this week in the “Big Easy”
- Kitayama is still coming into his own after getting his 1st PGA Tour victory last year, but is no slouch. He can play as well as anyone.
- Ludvig Åberg & Nicolai Højgaard (+2500)
- The European young guns bring tremendous firepower
- Åberg’s meteoric rise continues into 2025, while Højgaard has established himself as a consistent threat
- Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry (+350)
- The Irish connection returns after their solid showing in 2024
- Their friendship translates to excellent on-course chemistry
Odds to Win the 2025 PGA Tour Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Players to Watch
Ludvig Åberg & Nicolai Højgaard The European young guns represent golf’s next generation. Åberg’s meteoric rise has continued through 2025, while Højgaard has established himself as a consistent threat on both tours.
Strategic Considerations
The alternating format creates fascinating strategic decisions for teams:
- Foursomes Strategy: Teams must decide which player tees off on odd vs. even holes based on hole layout and individual strengths. Managing the alternate shot format requires patience and precision.
- Four-Ball Approach: More aggressive play becomes possible. One player can take calculated risks. Meanwhile, the partner plays more conservatively.
- Team Chemistry: Beyond skill, successful teams must communicate effectively and support each other through inevitable challenges.
- Course Management: TPC Louisiana features several risk-reward holes where team strategy becomes crucial, particularly on the closing stretch.
Final Thoughts on the Zurich Classic
The 2025 Zurich Classic promises exciting team competition in a format that stands out on the PGA Tour schedule. While the marquee teams like Scheffler/Burns and Schauffele/Cantlay will draw attention, team events often produce surprising results. Chemistry and complementary skills sometimes outweigh raw talent.
With challenging format changes between rounds and the ever-present threat of spring thunderstorms in Louisiana, adaptability will be key. The atmosphere is unique. Team dynamics make this one of the most anticipated non-major events of the 2025 PGA Tour season.
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