2022 Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Top 10 Power Rankings

A pair of good buddies couldn’t quite get into contention at the 2021 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, but perhaps some good chemistry will lift Talor Gooch and Max Homa to a higher finish a year later.

They recorded rounds of 66 and 67 in best ball and 71 and 70 in alternate shot to take T-17th. Those alt shot scores held up as some of the best, but they needed to have their collective foot on the gas pedal a bit more in best ball.

Each won on the PGA Tour since the Zurich Classic last year.

Homa’s third career victory came last fall in his home state at the Fortinet Championship. Anything you can do, I can do better (or perhaps just as well). Gooch picked up his maiden win a couple months later at the RSM Classic.

The 31-year-old Homa took last week off following a T-48th finish at the Masters. That was his fifth made cut in a row in stroke play events and snapped a streak of four straight top-20s.

The 30-year-old Gooch also rested last week after T-14th at the Masters. That was his sixth top-30 of 2022.

Homa has made his money as a solid ball striker who performs well when he rolls it well. He’s 31st on the PGA Tour in both strokes gained tee to green (.871) and SG off the tee (.421) and 34th in SG approach (.433).

Homa’s a great driver, which helps out Gooch who has been one of the best iron players in recent months. Gooch is 16th in SG approach (.632) and 20th in greens in regulation (70%).