2022 Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Top 10 Power Rankings

This is not the Zurich Classic of New Orleans debut for either Collin Morikawa or Viktor Hovland, but it’s their first time teaming up.

Despite a lack of tournament reps together, there’s no question that this looks to be like a dangerous duo.

Morikawa came to TPC Louisiana last year and missed the cut alongside Matthew Wolff. That came at a time when Wolff’s game was not in a great spot.

Hovland also showed up at this event for the first time in 2021. He and former college teammate and fellow Norwegian, Kristoffer Ventura, finished 25th. Both are making big jumps in terms of partner quality, particularly Hovland.

Morikawa and Hovland are talented enough to rack up birdies in best ball and their steadiness should keep them in control in alternate shot.

This is the top team in the Zurich Classic as far as combined world ranking.

Morikawa is coming off a T-26th finish at the RBC Heritage and fifth place the week prior at the Masters. This week makes it three tournaments in a row and five in the last six, so that’s one concern this week.

Hovland took last week off after T-27th at the Masters. That was his fifth straight made cut in a stroke-play event in a row. The beginning of the streak featured three top-10s but Hovland has cooled off a bit.

These two have experience in team events as amateurs and on opposing Ryder Cup teams. Morikawa has bragging rights over Hovland after he and Dustin Johnson disposed of Viktor and Paul Casey 3&2 in Friday foursomes.

Hovland had a rough week at Whistling Straits last year when he went 0-3-2, but one of those half points came against Morikawa in Sunday singles. The American win was all but a formality by that point, but Morikawa’s half-point was the official cup clincher.

This is the best ball-striking team in the field at the Zurich Classic

Morikawa is 24th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained tee to green (.937), with particular dominance off the tee (10th, .614) and approach (20th, .609). He, like Hovland struggle on and around the greens.

Morikawa is up to 31st in SG putting (.424) but was well outside the top 100 a season ago.

Hovland is also putting fairly well at 52nd in SG (.282) but has an unseasoned short game. Making up for it is his driver and irons. The 24-year-old is 12th in SG off the tee (.588) and third in SG approach (1.019).