2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Top 10 power rankings at TPC Louisiana

Nick Hardy and Davis Riley are running it back.

Both picked up their first PGA Tour wins by prevailing at the 2023 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

The duo shot 64 and 63 in four-ball in rounds one and three. Solid numbers, but not unforeseen. What was truly remarkable was going 66-65 in alternate shot. TPC Louisiana is far from a major championship test, but going in the mid-60s in that format is still bonkers.

Their win was a culmination of a decade of friendship.

“I believe we met when we were 14 or 15 at AJGA events,” Hardy was transcribed in 2023 by ASAP Sports. “That's when we'd see each other. We weren't locally playing against each other really, but we were partners in a four ball format, I think, at the Wyndham Cup, AJGA East versus West tournament.

“Being partners there, I don't remember much about the week, but I know we were partners. It goes back to our friendship and seeing each other -- I don't know how many events we played together, hundreds of golf tournaments together, so program rounds.”

Hardy is hoping the return to Avondale will ignite the good swing thoughts he had here last year. The former Illinois Fighting Illini has five missed cuts in his last seven events. Perhaps there’s something to build from in a T-25th two starts ago at the Valero Texas Open.

Same goes for Riley, who hasn’t quite been up to the level he showed when contending for Rookie of the Year honors in 2022.

A positive is the former Alabama Crimson Tide took T-14th a couple starts ago at the Texas Children’s Houston Open. Riley is also coming off a couple weeks off.