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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) /
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Zurich Classic
AVONDALE, LA – MAY 01: Jonas Blixt of Sweden and Cameron Smith of Australia pose with the trophy after winning in a sudden-death playoff during a continuation of the final round of the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana on May 1, 2017 in Avondale, Louisiana. (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images) /

Sweden’s Jonas Blixt and Australia’s Cameron Smith didn’t know each other inside and out heading into the 2017 Zurich Classic. Imagine what they can do now?

The duo of 20-somethings posted impressive rounds of 67 and 68 in alternate shot and went crazy low for 62 and 64 in best ball to finish in a tie in regulation. Smith lamented a failed chance to win it in regulation, but rolled in the winning birdie putt on the third playoff hole on Monday.

"“We haven’t known each other for that long, but he’s got a great attitude and he’s a great person,” Blixt said after the win. “He’s a better person than he is a golfer. Just hanging with him and just having fun with him, and we got — his caddie is my roommate and my caddie has a very chill kind of attitude about things, and having four guys just out there having fun, I think that’s just what it came down to.”"

Individually, Blixt’s made three of four cuts at TPC Louisiana with a T13 in his debut in 2012. Smith tied for 43rd in his debut as a 21-year-old in 2015.

Smith is establishing himself as one of Australia’s top young talents. He has three top-10s in 2018, including a T5 at the Masters for his second top-five in a major (T4, 2015 U.S. Open).

Smith also has three more top-20s and just one missed cut this year. He’s in the positive in all strokes gained categories highlighted by 17th in strokes gained around the green, which will fit nicely with TPC Louisiana’s closely mown areas and sloped run off areas.

Blixt hasn’t sparkled this season. A T14 at the RBC Heritage a couple weeks ago could be the shot in the arm the three-time PGA Tour winner needs.

Blixt/Smith may not be able to go bogey-free again like last year, but they’re worthy of consideration to repeat as champions.

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