Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are set to defend their title at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, marking McIlroy’s first PGA Tour appearance since his dramatic Masters win. Fresh from his historic Grand Slam victory, McIlroy will team up with Lowry once again, following their memorable win last year that came after a “drunken lunch” celebrating Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory. Let’s take a closer look at what we can expect from this competition at TPC Louisiana.

The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans is a standout event on the PGA Tour, showcasing 80 teams of two players each in a unique team format. This tournament spans four days, with a fascinating twist: the format alternates between two different styles. In the first and third rounds, teams compete in a four-ball (best ball) format, where each player plays their own ball, and the best score on each hole counts.

In contrast, the second and fourth rounds feature a foursomes (alternate shot) format, requiring teams to work in perfect sync. Players take turns hitting shots, with one player teeing off on even-numbered holes and the other on odd-numbered holes. This format demands strong communication, trust, and strategy between partners. After 36 holes, the top 33 teams plus ties will advance to the weekend, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion. The talented teams will face off at TPC Louisiana, a challenging par-72 course that stretches over 250 acres of wetlands and features water hazards and 100 bunkers.

The stakes are high, with significant FedExCup implications on the line. The top 5 FedExCup points earners in the Zurich Classic will secure spots in the Truist Championship via the Aon Swing 5. The winners will take home 400 FedExCup points, making every shot count in this thrilling team event, so who are the top competitors?

Top names to look out for at the 2025 Zurich Classic

The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans is just around the corner, and golf fans are eagerly anticipating the unique team stroke play event at TPC Louisiana. Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are the top betting favorites at +370, thanks to their impressive form this season. McIlroy has won three PGA Tour events, including the Masters, while Lowry has consistently finished in the top 20 in most of his events. Other notable pairings include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama (+1100), who finished T23 last year and are looking to improve their standings. JT Poston and Keith Mitchell (+1800) are another exciting duo, with Poston showing steady progress and Mitchell coming off a strong showing at the Corales Puntacana Championship.

Other top pairings to watch out for include Thomas Detry and Robert MacIntyre (+1800), who have prior experience playing together and are looking to make a splash. Wyndham Clark and Taylor Moore (+2700) are another duo to keep an eye on, with Clark’s consistency and Moore’s recent top-10 finishes making them a formidable team. With several talented pairings in the mix, it’s anyone’s game at the Zurich Classic. Will McIlroy and Lowry defend their title, or will a dark horse duo steal the spotlight? The competition promises to be fierce, and golf fans are in for a treat.