2021 Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Top 10 teams at TPC Louisiana

A couple years ago, Matthew Wolff was hugging his caddie while Collin Morikawa was walking away. Now, they hope to both share in a celebration on the 72nd hole.

These two young guns went toe-to-toe at the 2019 3M Open with Wolff’s closing eagle giving him the one-shot win. Morikawa’s gone on to have the better young career so far, however, with his 2020 PGA Championship highlighting four wins he has by age 24.

This is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans debut for both players. Both are from the Los Angeles Area and became friends in the junior golf scene.

“I’ve played so much golf with him, known him for such a long time. Such a good guy, and a great player as well,” Wolff was quoted by the Twin Cities Pioneer Press’ Ted Reeve in 2019.

Morikawa hasn’t missed a cut since last fall and recorded his fourth top-10 of 2021 with T-7th last week at the RBC Heritage. He was in the final group on Sunday but could not get the putter rolling to catch up to Stewart Cink.

The former Cal Golden Bear ranks second on the PGA Tour in strokes gained tee to green (1.779) and first in SG approach (1.311). He’ll be wondering if Wolff can just putt everything for him.

Wolff is at least a modest 64th in SG putting (.258) to go with 14th in SG approach (.623) and third in eagles (one per 74.3 holes).

If this duo stays together, I envision multiple Zurich Classic of New Orleans titles. But Wolff has battled injuries this year and Morikawa has been worrisome on the greens.

They’re talented enough and have the chemistry to contend, but not quite seal the deal in the Big Easy.