Zurich Classic of New Orleans Preview
By Matt Cochran
The PGA Tour swings down to the Big Easy this weekend, as the Zurich Classic of New Orleans kicks off. The Zurich Classic is played at TPC Louisiana, designed by Pete Dye, a diabolical mastermind.
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Dye has been designing golf courses for over 50 years and is one of the most influential architects the game has seen. With over 120 courses all across the world, Pete is known for the challenges he offers to golfers in his designs.
Some of the most difficult courses in the world are Dye designs, courses like Whistling Straits, TPC Sawgrass, and Crooked Stick, just to name a few. Fortunately for the golfers this weekend, TPC Louisiana usually ranks as one of the top ten easiest courses on Tour.
7,400 yards and a par 72, TPC Louisiana is intimidating at a glance, but the course yields the second most birdies and most pars of any course on Tour. TPC Louisiana is known for it’s smaller, undulated greens which is why well-targeted approach shots will be essential this weekend.
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One man who is pretty good with approach shots is Billy Horschel. Billy Ho isn’t popping up on many power rankings this weekend, but he should be. Horschel hasn’t made much noise this season, but that’s understandable, as he has been suffering from a FedEx Cup hangover. Luckily for Horschel, the setup at the Zurich suits his game. Ranking 13th in greens in regulation, Billy has been hitting 70.17% of his approach shots this season, exactly what is needed for TPC Louisiana. Horschel also got his maiden victory at the Zurich back in 2013, shooting 66-64 in his final rounds.
[Dye] gives you a lot of visual things that makes it look tough, but there’s actually more room than what it looks like.
Horschel played Pete Dye tracks throughout his junior and amateur career and finds them very suited to his game. Horschel’s best finish of the season came three weeks ago at the
Valero Texas Open
, which also happens to be a Dye design. Billy knows the TPC Louisiana layout and has already proven he can go low to close out the tournament.
It was around this time last year that Horschel started his run for the FedEx Cup, so don’t be surprised if he gets things going this weekend.
Another name not on many people’s radar is Troy Merritt. Merritt has seen his share of rounds at TPC Louisiana, including a third place finish back in 2010. Troy led after 54 holes at the RBC Heritage last week including a course-record-tying 61 as he finished for third.
The Zurich Classic is a breeding ground for first-time winners. Seven of the last ten champions have been first timers, including Billy Horschel. Still looking for his first PGA Tour victory, Merritt could add himself to that list with the hot golf he has been playing.
Whether it’s one of these guys or another first-time winner, the Zurich Classic is sure to be full of low scores, with the occasional alligator to keep the golfers on their feet.