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Tournament Information
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Date: April 26th – 29th
Course: TPC Louisiana
Purse: $7.1MM ($1MM to each winner)
FedEx points: 400 to each winner
2017 Winner: Jonas Blixt & Cameron Smith (-27)
Different format here where last year they changed it from an individual event to 80 teams of two. One member of each team is picked through PGA rankings. The team member picks his partner must be either a PGA Tour member or earn entry through a sponsor exemption
Course: TPC Louisiana. Designed just 13 years ago by Pete Dye along with Steve Elkington and Kelly Gibson it has served as home for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans since its inception. This 7,400 yard, par 72 course is a 73.9 rating sporting Bermuda grass, the course as a whole runs quite the opposite from the Hawaii and California courses from earlier this season. Amidst a lush set of 250 acres of wetlands and the Mississippi River delta, this course sits at low altitude, right on sea level. It is lined with Cyprus and Oak Trees and no shortage of bunkers (as many as 100 ) and water traps. The water traps, particularly the one that runs the entirety of the right side of the Par 5 18thhole, make accuracy crucial.
Starting 4
Marc Turnesa & Brooks Koepka. Brooks is back for the first time since recovering from his wrist injury. Initial video of him driving looks strong but it remains to be seen how he will fare coming back into competitive play, I’m optimistic in his pedigree to start off strong. Marc meanwhile took 31st here in 2016 (did not enter last year) and won here 10 years ago.
Koepka goes 91 days without touching a club while recovering from torn tendon in left wrist. Finally back, playing New Orleans next week with Turnesa. https://t.co/v5jNhDlBWF
— Doug Ferguson (@dougferguson405) April 20, 2018
Jordan Spieth & Ryan Palmer. 4th here last year, Jordan is lighting up all of the stat categories (top 15 in strokes gained approaching the green, around the green and tee to green) not to mention top 20 finishes in 5 of his last 6 tournaments. Ryan meanwhile is great off the tee (17th in strokes gained) and 7th on the tour in driving distance.
Bench 2
David Lingmerth & Danny Lee. 14th place last year and they have similar playing styles which is fun to watch. Danny isn’t a strong shot but he’s efficient and accurate. He’s also good around the green in sand save percentage. David is equally lower on the power range with a lot of accurate shots with better putting skills.
Trying to make par with a hockey stick.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 26, 2017
Enter David Lingmerth (@DLingmerth). pic.twitter.com/UfJFETeFpg
Poll
Which teams not listed do you like best?
This poll is closed
-
47%
Thomas/Cauley
-
17%
Rahm/Bryan
-
8%
Rose/Stenson
-
12%
Watson/Kuchar
-
14%
Reed/Cantlay
2018 Stats
Starting 4 Average Finish 38th place (30thpercentile)
Bench 2 Average Finish 39th place (30th percentile)