Zurich Classic of New Orleans: PGA Golf Preview, Odds, Times, and More
- Greg Kajewski
- Apr 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 20
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is the PGA Tour's only team-based event, featuring 80 two-man teams competing in alternating four-ball and foursomes formats at TPC Louisiana from April 24–27, 2025. With a $9.2 million purse and top names like Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and defending champions Davis Riley/Nick Hardy, this year's event promises thrilling competition.
Key details:
Top Pairings: McIlroy/Lowry (+350), Morikawa/Kitayama (+1400), and Horschel/Hoge (+1600).
Underdogs to Watch: Griffin/Novak (+2500), MacIntyre/Detry (+2000).
Past Winning Scores: −25 (2024), −30 (2023), −29 (2022).
TV Coverage: ESPN+ (Thu–Sun), Golf Channel & CBS (Sun).
Don’t miss the action-packed weekend of team golf and get a few golf bets in for some fun!
Tournament Details
Team Play Format
In Rounds 1 and 3, the format is Four-ball, where both players play their own ball, and the best score on each hole counts. Rounds 2 and 4 switch to Foursomes, an alternate-shot format. If there's a tie, it’s resolved with sudden-death Foursomes.
Event Information
The 2025 Zurich Classic takes place from April 24–27 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, LA. The tournament features 80 two-man teams, with the top 33 teams (plus ties) advancing past the 36-hole cut.
Up next, we’ll break down the favorites, under-the-radar teams, and pairings to watch at TPC Louisiana.
Teams to Watch
Tournament Favorites
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are the top picks with +350 odds. Their partnership was on full display in 2024 when McIlroy's clutch chip on the 18th hole forced a playoff. McIlroy is riding high after a Masters victory, while Lowry has consistently delivered multiple top-20 finishes this season. But they're not the only duo worth keeping an eye on.
Strong Contenders
Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama (+1400) combine precise iron play with an aggressive style, making them a formidable pair. Meanwhile, Billy Horschel and Tom Hoge (+1600) bring a track record of solid teamwork to the table.
Underdog Teams
The Zurich Classic has a history of surprise winners. In 2023, Hardy and Riley defied the odds despite not being ranked in the top 150. This year, Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak (+2200) could deliver similar results, offering great potential for those looking beyond the favorites.
2025 Zurich Classic Mega Preview | Picks, Storylines, Best Bets
Betting Guide
Here's how to turn insights from our "Teams to Watch" into smart bets.
Top Betting Options
The favorites are Rory McIlroy/Shane Lowry (+350), followed by Collin Morikawa/Kurt Kitayama (+1400) and J.T. Poston/Keith Mitchell (+1600). These odds line up with pre-tournament expectations, but it's worth noting where the odds might differ from recent form.
Past Tournament Patterns
Winners at TPC Louisiana tend to shoot at least −25. For reference:
2024: −25
2023: −30
2022: −29
This underscores the importance of strong four-ball birdie performances. The 2022 victory by Cantlay and Schauffele is a great example of how dominant teams can pull ahead during best-ball rounds.
Long-Shot Opportunities
Surprises are common here. The 2023 champions were outside the world's top 150, proving the potential for upsets. If you're looking for value bets, consider these teams:
Robert MacIntyre/Thomas Detry (+2000)
Wyndham Clark/Taylor Moore (+2200)
Ben Griffin/Andrew Novak (+2500)
These pairs bring a mix of consistent play and strong four-ball scoring ability.
Next up: tee times and TV coverage.
Tournament Schedule
Here's everything you need to know to catch every round:
Starting Times
Thursday, Apr 24 – 8:00 a.m. ET on ESPN+
Friday, Apr 25 – 9:15 a.m. ET on ESPN+
Saturday, Apr 26 – 9:00 a.m. ET on ESPN+
Sunday, Apr 27 – 10:30 a.m. ET on PGA Tour Live
You can sync these times with the Hole-by-Hole Betting section to stay on top of the action.
TV Coverage
Thursday, Apr 24 – 8:00 a.m. ET on ESPN+
Friday, Apr 25 – 9:15 a.m. ET on ESPN+
Saturday, Apr 26 – 9:00 a.m. ET on ESPN+
Sunday, Apr 27 – 10:30 a.m. ET on PGA Tour Live
12:45 p.m. ET on Golf Channel & Peacock
3:00 p.m. ET on CBS (streaming available via CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App)
ESPN+ will feature marquee groups and select holes during the first three rounds. On Sunday, early coverage will air on Golf Channel and Peacock, followed by CBS's live broadcast. CBS's coverage will also stream on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App.
BettorEdge Hole-by-Hole Betting
Looking to add some excitement after the Zurich Classic tee times and coverage? Check out BettorEdge's hole-by-hole betting options.
How to Place Your Bets
Make your Zurich Classic experience more engaging with these simple steps:
Pick your team: Whether it’s your favorite duo or an underdog pairing, the choice is yours.
Bet on the next hole: Decide if your team will go over or under par. Consider their current form, the hole format, and past performance on the course.
Place your bet: Enter your stake and confirm your bet. BettorEdge pairs you with other users, and you keep all your winnings!
Key Features of the Platform
Real-Time Analytics: Stay informed with win rates, stats for specific hole types, and detailed trend charts.
Community Interaction: Be part of a social betting network where you can exchange tips and strategies.
Live Odds Updates: Watch odds adjust in real time based on momentum, course conditions, and community bets.
Performance Insights: Use tools powered by Rithmm AI to analyze past results and track your betting trends.
Summary
At TPC Louisiana, 80 teams will compete in a mix of four-ball and foursomes across 72 holes. Leading the pack are Rory McIlroy/Shane Lowry (+350) and Collin Morikawa/Kurt Kitayama (+1400), while Griffin/Novak (+2500) stands out as an intriguing long-shot option. For live betting, BettorEdge's hole-by-hole tool lets you place wagers on over/under par for each upcoming hole.
FAQs
What is the difference between Four-ball and Foursomes formats in the Zurich Classic?
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans features a unique team format that alternates between Four-ball and Foursomes play.
In the Four-ball format, each player on a team plays their own ball throughout the round. The team's score for each hole is the lowest score achieved by either player.
In Foursomes, also called alternate shot, teammates take turns hitting the same ball. One player tees off on even-numbered holes, while the other handles odd-numbered holes, continuing to alternate shots until the ball is holed.
This rotation of formats adds a strategic and exciting twist to the competition, making the Zurich Classic stand out from traditional PGA Tour events.
How do the betting odds for this year’s Zurich Classic favorites align with their past performances?
The betting odds for the Zurich Classic favorites reflect both their recent form and historical success in similar formats. For example, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry (+350) are favorites due to their strong individual performances and complementary skills. Meanwhile, teams like Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama (+1400) are intriguing given their potential despite limited team experience. Past tournaments have shown that consistent teamwork often outperforms individual talent, so it’s worth considering teams with strong chemistry or prior success in this event. Keep an eye on dark horses like Wyndham Clark and Taylor Moore (+2200), as surprises are common in this unique team format.
What should I consider when betting on underdog teams at the Zurich Classic?
When betting on underdog teams in the Zurich Classic, focus on their recent performance and how well their playing styles complement each other in the unique team format. Teams with one player in strong form can still deliver surprising results, even if their partner has been less consistent.
Pay attention to past performances in similar formats, as some players excel in team events like four-ball and foursomes. Look for pairings with good chemistry or a history of playing well together, as this can often lead to better-than-expected outcomes. Finally, consider course-specific trends at TPC Louisiana, which can favor certain playing styles or strategies.
