2022 Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Top 10 Power Rankings

It’s common for fellow countrymen to unite for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Tyrrell Hatton and Danny Willett hope to be flying the Union Jack together in the winner’s circle.

They both made their tournament debut in 2021.

Save for a tough first go-round on alternate shot, the English duo was solid. taking T-8th (65-73-65-69) just four shots off first place.

Hatton hasn’t been able to solve his major championship struggles as evidenced with a 52nd place finish at the Masters. At least he provided the patrons with some interesting theatrics after poor shots.

Aside from that, Hatton’s shown great form and hasn’t let go of a top-25 world ranking for more than two years. Highlights in 2022 include T-2nd at a tightly contested Arnold Palmer Invitational. Only red-hot Scottie Scheffler beat him in regulation in, to Hatton’s credit, were major-like conditions at Bay Hill.

Willett has got it done at Augusta National, unlike his partner. The 2016 Masters champion showed signs of life recently by putting together a nice showing on his six-year anniversary in a T-12th finish.

Willett will look to build off his best major finishes since 2016.

He’s won three times on the DP World Tour since 2016, including last fall against a strong field at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Hatton was right there, too, two shots back in a tie for second.

Willett made a reasonable six of nine cuts between both tours in 2022, but no top-10s leave a bit to be desired.

Both have one Ryder Cup appearance under their belt but have not played together. Willett made it in 2016 and Hatton in 2018. Hatton also has World Cup of Golf experience from 2018 when he and Ian Poulter took eighth place out of 28.

The game plan this week is to hit tons of fairways and greens. Duh. If things go awry, though, the next plan is for Willett to get them up and Hatton to get them down.

Willett is second on the PGA Tour in strokes gained around the green (.664) and Hatton is first in SG putting (1.123). Considering neither of them drive it particularly well and wind is in the forecast, the team that can scramble best may hoist the trophy.