Golf isn’t usually a team sport—but one weekend each spring, the PGA Tour shifts gears. The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is back for 2025, and it remains one of the most fun, unpredictable, and strategy-packed events on the schedule.
Zurich Classic of New Orleans 2025
Held at TPC Louisiana, just 15 miles from Bourbon Street, the Zurich Classic stands out for being the lone team event on the PGA tour. This format forces players to adapt. Strategy shifts, risk tolerance changes, and putting under pressure takes on a new dimension when you’ve got a teammate counting on you. If your teammate’s approach shot sets you up perfectly to make birdie, the last thing you want is to let them down and leave a putt short.
This year’s tournament tees off April 24–27, 2025. Fresh off donning the green jacket at Augusta, Rory McIlroy returns to action alongside Shane Lowry as the defending Zurich Classic champions. With a Masters win and two additional victories already under his belt, McIlroy is riding a wave of confidence into New Orleans and looking to extend his red-hot 2025 campaign.
Let’s dive into what makes this team event unlike anything else on Tour.
Zurich Classic Format
This tournament features two separate scoring formats throughout the weekend.
Thursday & Saturday - Four-ball (Best Ball)
In this format, both teammates play their own ball. The lowest score on each hole counts for the team. If Rory makes par and Lowry makes birdie, the birdie is counted on the scorecard for the team. This format introduces an interesting wrinkle as players take more risks.
For example, if Rory stripes a drive down the middle of the fairway and par or better looks likely, Lowry might feel free to go pin-seeking even with a risky line.
Friday & Sunday – Foursomes (Alternate Shot):
Things get real here. One ball, two players, alternating shots. The margin for error tightens up fast and communication becomes crucial. It’s a format that rewards rhythm, patience, and above all, trust.
Miss a fairway or misjudge a yardage? Your partner pays the price on the next shot. Stick an iron to five feet? Now the pressure’s on your partner to roll in for bird. It’s golf’s version of a trust fall.
Who’s Competing at the 2025 Zurich Classic?
The Zurich Classic always draws a mix of marquee pairings and intriguing dark horses. With its team format offering a break from the solo grind, players often use this week to partner with close friends, countrymen, or strategic complements to their game.
Notable Teams to Watch
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Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry (the betting favorites)
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Matt Fitzpatrick & Alex Fitzpatrick
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Colin Morikawa & Kurt Kitayama
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Aaron Rai & Saheeth Theegala
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Thomas Detry & Robert MacIntyre
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Billy Horschel & Tom Hoge
Check out the full list of Zurich Classic teams here.
Notable Absences
Some big names are skipping the event this year, including:
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Scottie Scheffler
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Xander Schauffele
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Ludvig Åberg
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Justin Thomas
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Hideki Matsuyama
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Justin Rose
Where to Watch the 2025 Zurich Classic
Whether you’re following your favorite duo or just watching casually, you won’t want to miss a minute of the Zurich Classic action. Here’s how to watch throughout the tournament:
Broadcast Schedule
Thursday, April 24: 3–6 p.m. on Golf Channel
Friday, April 25: 3–6 p.m. on Golf Channel
Saturday, April 26: 1–3 p.m. on Golf Channel, 3–6 p.m. on CBS
Sunday, April 27: 1–3 p.m. on Golf Channel, 3–6 p.m. on CBS
Pro Tip: Keep your putter nearby during commercial breaks—it's the perfect time to squeeze in a few reps with your PrimePutt mat.
Streaming Options
ESPN+: Live featured group coverage all four days.
CBS Sports App / Paramount+: Weekend broadcast coverage.
NBC Sports App /Golf Channel App: Thursday and Friday live streams.
Getting to Know TPC Louisiana
Set just outside New Orleans, TPC Louisiana offers up a bayou-style challenge with wide fairways, natural wetlands, and a layout that rewards creativity and punishes hesitation. Designed by Pete Dye, the course stretches over 7,400 yards and forces players to stay disciplined tee-to-green.
While it’s often billed as a ball-striker’s track, TPC Louisiana’s greens have a quiet way of deciding everything. Subtle slopes, grainy Bermuda grass, and tiered surfaces mean that even the best approach shots can leave nervy ten-footers.
Hole 18 is one of the best finishing holes on Tour. This par 5 is reachable in two if conditions are right, but water is heavily in play if you go for it. If teams are chasing a lead, this closing hole can quickly flip a script.
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