Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Expert Picks

Tournament Information

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Date: April 26^th – 29^th

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 18^thhole, 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 31^st here in 2016 (did not enter last year) and won here 10 years ago.

Jordan Spieth & Ryan Palmer. 4^th 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 (17^th in strokes gained) and 7^th on the tour in driving distance.

Bench 2

David Lingmerth & Danny Lee. 14^th 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.

2018 Stats

Starting 4 Average Finish 38^th place (30^thpercentile)

Bench 2 Average Finish 39^th place (30^th percentile)