2023 Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Top 10 Power Rankings

These two haven’t played together in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, but I’m not doubting them having good chemistry.

Both are former Cal Golden Bears, though their time in college did not overlap. Both are from the Los Angeles area and are generally regarded as some of the good guys on the PGA Tour.

Max Homa and Collin Morikawa both expect to be on the American Ryder Cup team this fall. Either would pair well with just about anyone on the roster.

I’m burying the lede by not pointing out that these are two of the most talented players in the field.

Homa is already a two-time champion in the 2022-23 PGA Tour season with a runner-up to boot. He had a streak of 15 straight made cuts before it snapped last week at the RBC Heritage.

Those extra two days off could be a blessing for this week’s prospects.

Morikawa has arguably been the best player without a win this season. A solo runner-up finish at the Sentry Tournament of Champions is one of three top-sixes and four top-10s.

He took T-10th at the Masters and T-31st last week.

Both are good, steady ball strikers. I like their chances to have tons of birdie looks.

Homa has improved to be a good putter, while Morikawa is still working things out with the flat stick.

The two have played in this tournament several times in the past with different partners. Homa finished top-25 each of the last two years with LIV defector, Talor Gooch.

Morikawa took T-29th last year with Viktor Hovland, who’s taking the week off.

A lot of big names are resting this week after the Masters and the designated event, the RBC Heritage, the last two weeks. This is where Homa/Morikawa could feast.

I like their ability to have lots of birdie looks during four balls, but I worry about the two of them holing enough putts during alternate shot to win the tournament outright.