Ithy - The Teams of the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Key Highlights of the 2025 Zurich Classic Field

Defending Champions Return: Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are set to defend their 2024 title.
Brotherly Pairings: The tournament will feature multiple sets of brothers competing together, including the Fitzpatricks and Hojgaards.
Strong Contenders: The field includes numerous highly ranked players forming competitive teams.

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans stands out on the PGA Tour schedule as the only official team event. Since adopting this format in 2017, the tournament has offered a refreshing change from the traditional stroke play format, emphasizing camaraderie and strategic partnership. Hosted annually at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, just outside of New Orleans, the event brings together 80 two-player teams to compete for a significant prize purse and FedExCup points.

The 2025 edition, scheduled for April 21-27, promises another exciting week of team golf. The format alternates between Four-ball (best ball) and Foursomes (alternate shot) over four rounds, culminating in a thrilling Sunday finish where the winning team earns official PGA Tour victories for both players.

The Dynamic Format Explained

Understanding Four-ball and Foursomes

The Zurich Classic's unique appeal lies in its alternating formats, which test different aspects of a team's game:

Four-ball (Best Ball)

In Four-ball, each player on a team plays their own ball throughout the hole. The team's score for that hole is the lower score of the two players. This format allows players to be aggressive, knowing their partner's score can serve as a backup. It often leads to lower scores and more birdies.

Foursomes (Alternate Shot)

Foursomes is a true test of teamwork and coordination. The two players on a team alternate hitting the same ball. One player tees off on odd-numbered holes, and the other tees off on even-numbered holes. They then alternate shots until the ball is holed. This format requires precision, good communication, and a deep understanding of each other's game, as a mistake by one player directly impacts the other.

The formats alternate over the four rounds, typically with Four-ball played on Thursday and Saturday, and Foursomes on Friday and Sunday. This structure ensures that teams must be proficient in both styles of play to contend for the title. In the event of a tie after 72 holes, a sudden-death playoff is held, alternating between Foursomes and Four-ball until a winner emerges.

Featured Teams for the 2025 Tournament

Notable Pairings to Watch

The 2025 Zurich Classic field features a compelling mix of established stars, rising talents, and intriguing pairings. The return of the defending champions, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, headlines the event. Their victory in 2024 was a popular one, and they will undoubtedly be a formidable team looking to repeat their success.

Another pairing generating significant interest is the team of Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. This duo has a strong track record in team events, including success in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, and they have previously won the Zurich Classic together. Their consistent play and competitive fire make them perennial favorites.

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, a strong team pairing.

Beyond the top contenders, the field includes several interesting storylines. The tournament is known for featuring brother pairings, and the 2025 edition is no exception. Matt Fitzpatrick will team up with his brother Alex Fitzpatrick, while Rasmus Hojgaard will play alongside his brother Nicolai Hojgaard. These sibling rivalries within the team format add an extra layer of intrigue to the event.

Brothers Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up.

Other notable teams include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Billy Horschel (a two-time Zurich Classic winner) and Tom Hoge, Wyndham Clark and Taylor Moore, and Gary Woodland and Lee Hodges. The variety of pairings, from long-time friends to complementary skill sets, is a key part of the Zurich Classic's appeal.

Collin Morikawa has previously teamed up with players like Max Homa.

Full Team List for the 2025 Zurich Classic

The Complete Field of Competitors

Here is a list of confirmed teams for the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans:

Team 1	Team 2
Rory McIlroy	Shane Lowry
Wyndham Clark	Taylor Moore
Matt Fitzpatrick	Alex Fitzpatrick
Collin Morikawa	Kurt Kitayama
Gary Woodland	Lee Hodges
Patrick Cantlay	Xander Schauffele
Billy Horschel	Tom Hoge
Rasmus Hojgaard	Nicolai Hojgaard
Jeremy Paul	Yannik Paul
Robert MacIntyre	Thomas Detry
Will Zalatoris	Sahith Theegala
Sepp Straka	Brice Garnett
Akshay Bhatia	Carson Young
Davis Riley	Nick Hardy
Ryan Brehm	Mark Hubbard
Cameron Champ	MJ Daffue
Corey Conners	Taylor Pendrith
Daniel Berger	Victor Perez
Sahith Theegala	Aaron Rai

This table provides a snapshot of some of the confirmed teams for the 2025 Zurich Classic. The full field will consist of 80 teams, each vying for the title at TPC Louisiana. The selection process typically involves one player choosing their partner, often leading to pairings based on friendship, nationality, or complementary skills.

The History and Significance of the Zurich Classic

A Look Back at the Tournament's Evolution

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans has a rich history dating back to 1938. Initially a traditional individual stroke play event, it underwent a significant transformation in 2017 when it became a team competition. This change was a strategic move by the PGA Tour and tournament organizers to introduce a unique format and generate increased interest.

Action from a previous Zurich Classic tournament.

The decision to switch to a team format was well-received, bringing a fresh dynamic to the PGA Tour season. The event now provides an opportunity for players to compete in a less conventional setting, fostering camaraderie and unique strategies. The winning team not only earns significant prize money and FedExCup points but also receives official PGA Tour wins, further enhancing the tournament's importance.

TPC Louisiana has been the host course for the Zurich Classic since 2005, providing a challenging and scenic backdrop for the competition. The course is known for its Pete Dye design and its ability to test players' skills in both Four-ball and Foursomes formats.

This video provides highlights of the 2024 Zurich Classic, showcasing the excitement and team dynamic of the tournament where Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry emerged victorious, setting the stage for their title defense in 2025.

The Zurich Classic's position in the schedule, often following the Masters, makes it an interesting transition for many players. It allows them to compete in a more relaxed, team-oriented environment before the intensity of the major championship season fully kicks in. The event's focus on team play also provides fans with a different perspective on the players and their interactions on the course.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Zurich Classic

Common Queries Answered

What is the format of the Zurich Classic?

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is a two-player team event that utilizes an alternating format of Four-ball (best ball) and Foursomes (alternate shot) over four rounds.

Where is the tournament held?

The tournament is held annually at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans.

Do the winners receive official PGA Tour wins?

Yes, both members of the winning team receive official PGA Tour victories.

How many teams compete in the Zurich Classic?

The field consists of 80 two-player teams.

How is the field determined?

One player on each team is typically chosen based on their eligibility through the PGA Tour priority rankings, and that player then selects their partner. There are also sponsor exemptions available.

What happens in case of a tie?

In the event of a tie after 72 holes, a sudden-death playoff is conducted, alternating between Foursomes and Four-ball until a winner is determined.

The Teams of the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

A Look at the Pairings for the PGA Tour's Unique Team Event