Because Golf is Better with Buddies

Ah, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans is back. You know it, you love it, and if you don’t, you’re probably one of those people who only tunes in for Majors. But here’s what makes this event awesome (besides the fries from the clubhouse): it’s a team event. Yep, golf’s lone wolf vibe takes a seat in favor of best-ball bromances and sometimes awkward alternate shot formats.

This year, the action unfolds April 24-27 at TPC Louisiana, a course that’s simultaneously gorgeous and actively trying to ruin your day with water hazards and Pete Dye bunkers. With 80 two-man teams in the field, this is your shot to see teamwork, trash talk, and the occasional “dude, did you just hit that into the gator-infested pond?” moment.

Got your golf pants in a twist already? No worries; we’ve got you covered with predictions, players to watch, and betting tips.

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The Format (aka Golf, But Make It Weird)

Here’s the deal with the Zurich Classic format:

• Rounds 1 & 3 are fourball (best ball), where each guy plays his own ball, and you take the best score for the team. It’s basically golf’s version of “no bad vibes.”
• Rounds 2 & 4 are foursomes (alternate shot), which encourages more divorce-level bickering. One guy hits, the other guy gets stuck in holly bush jail.

The top 33 teams (and ties) make the cut after two rounds, so yeah, start hot or pack your bags.

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Who’s Winning This Thing?

Alright, defending champs Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are back, and they mean business. Rory just wrapped up his Masters win (casual flex), and Shane is as steady as your drunk uncle at the BBQ who somehow still sinks cornhole shots.

They’re +360 favorites, and that’s a hard number to argue with. Not only did they dominate last year, but both guys have Ryder Cup experience rolling through their veins. They’ll be playing ping-pong with birdies in fourball, and in alternate shot? Lowry’s putting pairs perfectly with Rory’s monster drives. It’s almost unfair.

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Best of the Rest

Think Rory and Shane are gonna waltz away with this one unchallenged? Not so fast. A few teams could shake things up:

Collin Morikawa & Kurt Kitayama (+1200)

Morikawa’s got the ball-striking skills of a laser-guided missile but also the putting touch of someone wearing mittens. Pairing him with Kitayama could even things out, but their performance last year (T23) leaves us suspicious.

Billy Horschel & Tom Hoge (+2800)

Horschel is a Zurich Classic wizard. He’s won here twice (2013 solo and 2018 with Scott Piercy). Hoge’s irons have been dialed in lately, which makes this duo sneaky-dangerous. If they get hot, this could turn into a highlight reel.

Keith Mitchell & J.T. Poston (+1800)

Mitchell’s a first-round leader god, and Poston’s been putting lights out. If they survive the alternate shot chaos, they could finish top-three easily.

Rasmus Højgaard & Nicolai Højgaard (+2800)

What do you get when you throw two Danish brothers into a Pete Dye track? Fireworks. These guys love playing together, and they absolutely crush fourball formats.

Sahith Theegala & Aaron Rai (+2500)

If Theegala was any cooler, he’d be hosting this event. Rai keeps it nerdy-precise with his irons, and Sahith goes full improv artist. Together, this feels dangerous in all the right ways.

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Underdogs (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Cinderella Story?)

Sometimes you bet with your gut. Sometimes you bet because you spilled your beer on your betting slip and random numbers are wet. Here are some under-the-radar options worth taking a hammer swing at.

Brice Garnett & Sepp Straka (+3300)

Garnett’s hitting fairways like a robot, and Straka’s lighting greens on fire (not literally). They’re underrated and due for a breakout.

Henrik Norlander & Luke List (+8000)

Okay, hear us out. Norlander has been sneaky good this season, and Luke List… well, he’s streaky. They’ve played well here before. Grab them for a top-20 finish if nothing else.

Nick Taylor & Adam Hadwin (+3500)

Seriously, who doesn’t root for Canadians? They’ve finished second and T10 in their past two starts at TPC Louisiana. History says “bet the hosers.”

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Survival Tips for TPC Louisiana

TPC Louisiana is a Pete Dye-certified nightmare and a gambler’s dream. Here’s how players win here:

• Hit it straight or drown in a bunker flood. Wayward drives don’t just ruin your day, they end it.
• Be razor-sharp with wedges. Approach shots inside 125 yards are like gold; players who can spin it tight will rack up birdies.
• Don’t lose it on the greens. Missing putts here is like missing free throws in the fourth quarter.

For context, last year’s winners went 25-under, so expect a leaderboard that looks closer to a pinball machine score than reality.

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Projected Leaderboard

Here’s what we see when peering into our shiny golf crystal ball (aka ESPN box scores and wild guesses):

1. Rory McIlroy / Shane Lowry (-26)
2. J.T. Poston / Keith Mitchell (-24)
3. Collin Morikawa / Kurt Kitayama (-23)
4. Billy Horschel / Tom Hoge (-22)
5. Nick Taylor / Adam Hadwin (-21)
6. Rasmus & Nicolai Højgaard (-20)
7. Brice Garnett / Sepp Straka (-18)
8. Aaron Rai / Sahith Theegala (-17)
9. Erik van Rooyen / Christiaan Bezuidenhout (-16)
10. Henrik Norlander / Luke List (-15)

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Betting Bombs & Sure Things

Best Bets:

• McIlroy/Lowry outright win (+360) – Feels like free money, but hey, this is golf, and weird stuff happens.
• Garnett/Straka top 20 (+200) – Risk it for the biscuit.
• Horschel/Hoge top five (+500) – Horschel is basically a mascot for this course.

Longshot Glory:

• Norlander/List top 10 (+8000) – This is either brilliant or proof you’ve had too many Bloody Marys at the golf club.

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The Zurich Classic delivers team golf at its chaotic, unpredictable best. Whether you’re betting, watching, or just here for the inevitable alligator sighting, there’s something for everyone. Now go grab a drink, snag your bets, and prepare for an epic weekend of birdies, bad decisions, and a whole lot of fun on the bayou.