NEWSLETTER
Zurich Classic Sleeper Picks – The Zurich Classic, a thrilling and unique team event on the PGA Tour, is set to take place at the picturesque TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana. This Pete Dye design, renowned for its water hazards and strategic layout, has been the proud host of the tournament since 2005. Originally a regular PGA Tour event, the Zurich Classic transformed into a two-man team competition in 2017, adding a new level of excitement and unpredictability, breaking up the standard stroke play events on the PGA Tour.
80 teams compete, with one player chosen from each team based on rankings and then selecting their partner from any other PGA Tour member. The tournament format alternates between “best ball” and “alternate shot.” In “best ball,” the lower score of the two teammates on each hole counts towards the team’s score. In “alternate shot,” teammates take turns hitting every shot throughout the round. Only the top 33 teams make it past the cut after the second round.
TPC Louisiana itself is a par-72 course stretching over 7,425 yards. While challenging golfers with strategic water hazards and bunkers, it also offers birdie opportunities. Three of the par-5s are reachable in two shots, and several par-4s fall on both ends of the length spectrum, with some exceeding 475 yards and others under 405 yards.
The shortest par-4, the 16th hole, presents a thrilling risk-reward option, tempting players to go for a shorter approach shot at the expense of potential trouble. The course’s difficulty is balanced, but there are birdie opportunities out there – evidenced by last year’s record score and the consistent sub-20 under-par finishes by winning teams in recent years.
Zurich Classic Sleeper Picks
Despite the switch to a team format in 2017, analyzing pre-2017 data offers insights into how TPC Louisiana typically plays. While average length, strategic hazards encourage some players to lay off the driver on certain holes. Big hitters can still gain an edge by attacking reachable par-5s in two shots.
Interestingly, statistics suggest driving prowess isn’t a major advantage. Wide fairways and non-penal rough have led to winners averaging only 32nd in driving distance and 38th in accuracy.
Before the team format, success hinged on approach play. Seven past champions ranked in the top 10 in Greens in Regulation percentage, with TPC Louisiana itself consistently ranking among the Tour’s easiest approach courses. Over 30% of approach shots come from beyond 200 yards, highlighting the importance of strong long irons.
The course’s reputation as one of the Tour’s easiest for short games can also be a factor. Six of the pre-2017 winners ranked in the top 10 in putting average, with the last four gaining at least 4.2 strokes putting. Precise approach shots are still crucial, especially during best-ball rounds, where teams get two bites at the apple on each approach.
In conclusion, key stats to target this week at the Zurich Classic include pre-2017 Strokes Gained: Approach data, Putting, Par 5 scoring, Proximity from 200+ yards, and Birdie or Better percentage, which is always important in team events.
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2024 Zurich Classic Sleeper Picks and Longshots
Beau Hossler and Sam Ryder
This team can pile up birdies and complement each other well. Both players have top-3 finishes at this event previously, albeit with different teammates.
50/1Â BetRivers
Taylor Moore and Matthew NeSmith
This duo has finished T4 in back-to-back years, and I think that continuity matters in terms of strategy and success in this unique event. Moore, in particular, is playing well right now and could carry this group to another strong showing. NeSmith has played some of his best golf on Pete Dye-designed tracks over the years.
50/1Â BetRivers
