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

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AVONDALE, LA – APRIL 30: Jordan Spieth and Ryan Palmer discuss a putt on the second green during the final round of the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana on April 30, 2017 in Avondale, Louisiana. (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images) /

This Texas two-step is back for 2017. Ryan Palmer and Jordan Spieth made good dance partners last year, posting 22-under to take solo fourth place.

Despite Palmer, 41, being nearly twice the age of Spieth, 24, the younger of the two is an old soul and clicks well with a player who was on Tour when Spieth was in elementary school.

“I’ve gotten to know Jordan pretty good over the past few years,” Palmer said before the 2017 event. “We’ve played a lot more practice rounds together and gotten to know he and his family.”

The two had a unique caveat to their partnership in that they vowed to pay the other a fine for any apologies made during the round in order to hit shots with conviction and trust the other.

Spieth looks destined to find the winner’s circle for the first time since his 2017 Open Championship victory. He’s finished third place in his last two starts, one coming at Augusta, and will be revitalized for this week with two weeks off on the heels of five events in six weeks.

Palmer has a T2 early this year at Torrey Pines and a T4 at the 2012 Zurich Classic. Palmer’s built a reputation as a good wind player, which is often advantageous at TPC Louisiana.

Spieth (183rd strokes gained) has had an off year putting but has shown signs of life lately. He’ll likely have to carry Palmer (196th) on the greens if these two are going to get back in contention.

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