A Deep Dive into the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Get Ready for Team Golf Action at TPC Louisiana

Key Highlights of the 2025 Zurich Classic

Unique Team Format: The Zurich Classic stands out on the PGA Tour as the only event featuring a two-player team format, adding an exciting dynamic to the competition.
Dates and Location: Mark your calendars for April 21-27, 2025, with the main tournament play running from April 24-27. The event will be held at the picturesque TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana.
Rich History and Star Power: With a history dating back to 1938, the tournament has seen legendary winners and continues to attract top golfing talent, promising thrilling performances.

Get ready for one of the most anticipated events on the PGA Tour schedule – the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. This tournament offers a refreshing change of pace with its unique two-player team format, set against the backdrop of the beautiful TPC Louisiana. As the only team event on the PGA Tour, it provides a different kind of excitement and strategy compared to traditional stroke play competitions.

When and Where to Experience the Action

Marking Your Calendar for Golf in the Big Easy

The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans is scheduled to take place from April 21st to April 27th, 2025. The official tournament rounds where the teams compete for the title will be held from Thursday, April 24th to Sunday, April 27th.

The host venue for this exciting event is the acclaimed TPC Louisiana, located in Avondale, a suburb just southwest of New Orleans. This course is known for its challenging layout and scenic beauty, providing a fantastic setting for team golf.

A Look at the TPC Louisiana Course

TPC Louisiana, designed by Pete Dye with consultation from PGA Tour players, is a par-72 course that stretches over 7,400 yards. It features challenging bunkers, water hazards, and strategically placed mounds, demanding precision and teamwork from the competing pairs. The course is a fitting stage for the unique format of the Zurich Classic.

The Distinctive Team Format

How the Two-Player Teams Compete

What truly sets the Zurich Classic apart is its format. It's the only official PGA Tour event where 80 two-player teams compete instead of individual golfers. This team-based approach requires a different strategy and can lead to some thrilling and unpredictable outcomes.

The tournament utilizes a combination of two formats over the four rounds:

Rounds 1 & 3: Foursomes (Alternate Shot) - In this format, teammates alternate hitting the same ball. One player tees off, the other hits the second shot, and they continue alternating until the ball is holed. This format requires strong communication and trust between partners.
Rounds 2 & 4: Four-Ball (Best Ball) - In Four-Ball, each player on the team plays their own ball throughout the hole. The lower score of the two partners on each hole counts as the team's score for that hole. This format often leads to lower scores and more birdies.

This blend of formats tests different aspects of a team's game, from precision and strategy in Foursomes to aggressive play and capitalizing on opportunities in Four-Ball.

Tournament Schedule of Events

Beyond the Main Competition

While the main tournament rounds are from Thursday to Sunday, the Zurich Classic week offers a full schedule of events for players and spectators alike. Here's a look at the typical week's activities:

Date	Event	Details
Monday, April 21	Zurich Classic Monday Pro-Am	Opportunity for amateur golfers to play with PGA Tour professionals. Typically features tee times from both the 1st and 10th tees. Free Admission.
Tuesday, April 22	Professional Practice Rounds	Professional players get familiar with the course.
Tuesday, April 22	Manning Family Children’s Hospital Celebrity Shootout	A fun event featuring celebrities, often benefiting a charitable cause. Free Admission.
Wednesday, April 23	Zurich Classic of New Orleans Wednesday Pro-Am	Another opportunity for amateurs to play alongside the pros, with morning and afternoon tee times. Gates Open early.
Thursday, April 24	Round 1 (Foursomes)	Official tournament play begins.
Friday, April 25	Round 2 (Four-Ball)	Second round of official tournament play.
Saturday, April 26	Round 3 (Foursomes)	Third round of official tournament play.
Sunday, April 27	Round 4 (Four-Ball)	Final round and crowning of the champions.

Attending the Event

Tickets for the 2025 Zurich Classic are available and are mobile entry only. Spectators can find information on tickets, parking, and prohibited items on the official tournament website. The event is known for its lively atmosphere, blending world-class golf with the vibrant culture of New Orleans, including great food and music.

Past Champions and Notable Players

A Legacy of Great Golf

The Zurich Classic has a long and storied history, dating back to 1938. It has been a regular stop on the PGA Tour since 1958 and has seen many legendary golfers claim victory. Past winners include icons like Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, Billy Casper, Davis Love III, and David Toms.

The team format, introduced in 2017, has added a new dimension to the list of champions. The 2024 tournament saw the team of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry emerge victorious after a playoff.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry celebrating

Looking Ahead to 2025

The field for the 2025 Zurich Classic is expected to feature many of the top players on the PGA Tour forming compelling partnerships. Early commitments include the team of Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama. With 80 teams competing, the leaderboard is sure to be packed with talent.

The winning team not only earns the title but also significant benefits, including FedExCup points, a two-year PGA Tour exemption, and invitations to select future tournaments. The prize money for the 2025 event will be announced closer to the tournament date, but it is expected to be substantial, attracting the world's best.

Preparing for the New Orleans Weather

What to Expect in Late April

New Orleans in late April typically features warm and humid conditions with a chance of light rain. If you plan to attend, it's advisable to dress accordingly. Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable clothing, such as golf polos, are recommended to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Zurich Classic

What is the format of the Zurich Classic?

The Zurich Classic is a two-player team event on the PGA Tour. The format alternates between Foursomes (alternate shot) in rounds 1 and 3, and Four-Ball (best ball) in rounds 2 and 4.

When is the 2025 Zurich Classic taking place?

The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans will be held from April 21-27, with the main tournament rounds running from April 24-27.

Where is the Zurich Classic held?

The tournament is played at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana.

Can I attend the Monday or Wednesday Pro-Ams?

Yes, admission is typically free for the Monday and Tuesday events, including the Pro-Ams and Celebrity Shootout. The Wednesday Pro-Am also welcomes spectators.