Pro Golf Now
Fansided

Zurich Classic Power Rankings: Picking the top ten teams in New Orleans

By Mike Randleman

AVONDALE, LA - APRIL 30: Play is suspensed due to inclement weather uring the final round of the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana on April 30, 2017 in Avondale, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
AVONDALE, LA - APRIL 30: Play is suspensed due to inclement weather uring the final round of the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana on April 30, 2017 in Avondale, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 11
Next

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is in year two as a team event. Which teams will stick together for more success, and who could mix it up and rise to the top? We’ve got you covered in this week’s Power Rankings.

This weekly power ranking takes on a different look as the PGA Tour heads to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the second year as a two-man team event.

More from Pro Golf Now

Some may gripe at a non-traditional stroke play event inserted in the middle of the major championship season, but this tournament is a nice change of pace in the slog from the Masters to the US Open.

Most players seem to enjoy this event, particularly when they take advantage of the opportunity to team up with a buddy. Plus, as fans, it’s fun to project out potential Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup pairings (Patrick Reed/Patrick Cantlay, Justin Rose/Henrik Stenson, etc.).

The event format features alternate shot in rounds 1 and 3 and best ball for 2 and 4. A strong individual performance can keep a team in the mix, but both players need to be on form to climb on top.

Tournament course TPC Louisiana hosted this former stroke play event in 2005 and since 2007. Measuring out to 7,425 yards for a par 72, this Pete Dye design opened in 2004.

Bermuda grass rules at TPC Louisiana with its overseeded and smaller-than-average greens having the potential to play firm. There isn’t a lot of rough here, but several holes call for less than driver to ensure avoidance of prevalent water and fairway bunkering.

This is one of Dye’s more mild tracks as the winning stroke play score was 13-under or more between 2005-16.

No one style of play appears to be rewarded here, but teams will need to play aggressively to keep up this week.

Both members of the winning team get a two-year PGA Tour exemption, earn $1.02 million and receive 400 FedEx Cup points.

Let’s see who can stack birdies and share the winner’s circle this week in the Big Easy.

Home/Golf Power Rankings