The Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the only team event on the PGA Tour, is back this week with new pros emerging victorious in the absence of Scottie Scheffler, who is taking time off for the arrival of his first child. Defending champions Davis Riley and Nick Hardy are aiming to retain the title they won last year. However, they will face tough competition from five of the top 15 players in the world, including Rory McIlroy teaming up with Shane Lowry, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, and Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin.
This year’s Zurich Classic will feature not only top-ranked players but also three sets of brothers and twin pairs. Last year, Riley and Hardy had to birdie four of their final six holes to claim the title over the red-hot duo of Hadwin and Taylor, who shot an alternate-shot record 63 on Sunday. The winners will receive 400 FedEx Cup points each and share a purse of $8.9 million, with no team ever defending their championship at the Zurich Classic.
Golf Channel will provide live coverage on Thursday and Friday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. EDT, with CBS taking over for afternoon coverage on Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. PGA Tour Live streaming will also take place on ESPN+ throughout the tournament. The event will showcase a diverse field of teams, including brothers Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick, Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard, and Parker and Pierceson Coody, as well as sets of twins and other noteworthy pairings.
The tournament features a mix of established players and up-and-coming talents, all vying for victory and a significant share of the prize money. With the absence of Scottie Scheffler, the competition is wide open, and fans can expect an exciting battle for the Zurich Classic title. The event marks a unique opportunity for players to showcase their teamwork skills and compete in a different format than the usual individual stroke play events on the PGA Tour.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans continues to be a fan-favorite event, offering spectators a chance to see top golfers team up and compete in a thrilling team format. With the likes of Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, and Collin Morikawa in the field, fans can expect high-quality golf and intense competition throughout the tournament. The Zurich Classic represents a unique opportunity for players to bond with their partners and strategize together to outperform the competition.
As the lone team event on the PGA Tour schedule, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans provides a refreshing change of pace for both players and fans. With a diverse field of top-ranked players, brothers, and twins, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling golf action and compelling storylines. Stay tuned for the exciting showdown at TPC Louisiana as players team up to battle for the coveted Zurich Classic title and a share of the $8.9 million purse.
