GOLF Zurich Classic of New Orleans Preview

The PGA Tour invades suburban New Orleans (Avondale) and the ‘tag-team’ Zurich Classic of New Orleans. This is always a unique event on the golf calendar, using the team format since 2016. In fact, the Big Easy has been an annual Tour venue since 1958.

This isn’t individual golfers going at it, rather it’s 80 teams of two which begin the competition. Then, the top 33 teams (with ties) advance to the final two rounds. Nick Hardy and Davis Riley shot a combined -30 to win this event last season 

Concerning the teams and formats, players are able to choose their partner, provided they have Tour ‘status’ or are given a sponsor exemption.

Teams will compete in fourballs (best ball) in the first and third rounds, foursomes (alternate shot) in the second and final rounds. This wrinkle also adds some good betting options as well. 

Here is a look at some of the odds ahead of the New Orleans Classic, along with our selection. 

Fearsome Twosomes Here?

There’s no Scottie Scheffler at the Zurich, making it more of a fair fight all the way around.

In this ‘tag-team’ event, both of the golfers will have to carry their weight throughout the tourney. 

The team of Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are solidly favored to win, priced at 4-1 (+400), according to Zurich Classic of New Orleans odds.

Each has had success on the Tour this season, so it’s logical they’d be the choice,  

It’s no surprise that Rory McIlroy always has support. He and Shane Lowry are currently third choice on the board at 8-1 (+800). 

In between is the tandem of Will Zalatoris and Sahith Theegala at 15-2 (+750).

We now enter the land of double-figure odds, with Kurt Kitayama and Collin Morikawa listed at 14-1 (+1400).  These groups are expected to be ones to beat in Avondale, though there are certainly others worthy of attention. 

Do Not Discount…

In this ‘strange’ format, some pairings may be considered ‘outside the box,’ but these may also work extremely well in this setting. 

Those teams, some familial, include…

• Rasmus Hojgaard/Nicolai Hojgaard 20-1 (+2000)
• Matt Fitzpatrick/Alex Fitzpatrick 25-1 (+2500)
• Tom Hoge/Maverick McNealy 25-1 (+2500)
• Nick Taylor/Adam Hadwin 25-1 (+2500)
• Taylor Pendrith/Corey Conners 28-1 (+2800)
• Brice Garnett/Sepp Straka 30-1 (+3000)
• Keith Mitchell/Joel Dahmen 40-1 (+4000)

The Hojgaards are not only brothers, they’re twins. Whether that helps them here is a decision you have to make.

Go with Kitayama/Morikawa

It’s difficult to ignore the top teams on the betting board in New Orleans. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele figure to have a low score, but we’re going in a different direction.

There is more value available further down the list. Go with Kurt Kitayama and two-time major champ Collin Morikawa at 14-1 (+1400)  to win the Zurich.

We conclude with Scottie Scheffler, who is at 30-1 (+3000) to add to his Masters win by taking the PGA, U.S, and British Opens this season, as per PGA major odds.