The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans kicked off today at TPC Louisiana, marking the PGA Tours only official team event. Eighty twoman teams are competing in a unique format that alternates between fourball best ball and foursomes alternate shot over four days. The opening round, played in the fourball format, saw some of golfs biggest names return to action, including newly crowned Masters champion Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy Lowry Defend Title
McIlroy, fresh off completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta, reunited with Shane Lowry to defend their Zurich Classic title. The duo teed off at 1:44 p.m. ET, paired with Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard. Despite battling a recent illness, McIlroy expressed enthusiasm about defending the title alongside Lowry. citeturn0news3
Notable Pairings and Tee Times
The tournament features several highprofile pairings:
Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick: The brothers teed off at 11:49 a.m. ET, aiming to improve upon their previous performances.
Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama: This duo brings a blend of major championship experience and rising talent.
Billy Horschel and Tom Hoge: Horschel, a past Zurich Classic champion, teams up with Hoge to contend for the title.
Other notable teams include the Højgaard twins and the pairing of Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, who have previously finished in the top five at this event. citeturn0news3
Tournament Format and Stakes
The Zurich Classics format sets it apart on the PGA Tour:
Thursday Saturday: Fourball best ball format, where each player plays their own ball, and the best score on each hole counts for the team.
Friday Sunday: Foursomes alternate shot format, requiring teams to alternate shots with a single ball.
The winning team will earn 400 FedExCup points and a record 1,329,400 each. Additionally, the victors secure a spot in the PGA Championship and a twoyear PGA Tour exemption. citeturn0news3
How to Watch
Fans can follow the action through various platforms:
Television: Coverage is available on Golf Channel and CBS during the weekend rounds.
Streaming: PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN offers featured group coverage and live scoring.
Radio: PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM provides live audio coverage.
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With toptier talent and a distinctive format, the Zurich Classic promises an exciting weekend of team competition in New Orleans.