RADIO
2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans betting and fantasy golf preview with key stats, TPC Louisiana course breakdown, field analysis, and TV times for this week’s PGA Tour event.
The PGA TOUR heads to Avondale, Louisiana, this week for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. This is the only team event of the season and features a 74-team field, with a cut after 36 holes.
Defending champions Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin return to defend their title. The field includes several intriguing pairings, highlighted by the Fitzpatrick brothers, as well as notable duos like Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka. There are also multiple teams built around shared nationalities, with players representing countries such as France, Denmark, Canada, South Africa, Sweden, Norway, Australia, and England.
For those who have followed my work in the past, you know my betting picks are usually included within this article. This year will be a little different, as my official plays will be part of our RotoBaller PGA Premium packages. To get access to my top plays throughout the 2026 season, check out our awesome options now.
Featured Promo! Save 50% on any PGA Premium Pass using discount code MASTERS, this week only! Win more with our DFS and Betting Packages, get expert tools and advice from proven winners including the Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, betting/props cheat sheet and more. GAIN FULL ACCESS HEREZurich Classic - Tournament Information
- Dates: April 23rd – April 26th, 2026
- Location: Avondale, Louisiana, United States
- Course: TPC Louisiana
- Course Type: Louisiana/ Southeast
- Par: 72 (4x 3’s / 10x 4’s / 4x 5’s)
- Length: 7,425 yards
- Format:
- Thursday (Rd. 1) / Saturday (Rd. 3): Four-Ball (Best Ball)
- Friday (Rd. 2) / Sunday (Rd. 4): Foresomes (Alternate Shot)
- Greens: Mini verde bermudagrass with Poa trivialis overseed .100”
- Fairways: Celebration bermudagrass .425”
- Rough: TifSport bermudagrass 2”
- Bunkers: 106
- Water Hazard(s): 5 (In-Play on 8 Holes)
- Average Green Size: 5,225 sq. ft.
- Stimpmeter: 11.0 ft.
- Purse/ Winner: $9,500,000 /$1,372,750 each
- FedEx Cup Points: 400 (each)
- Field: 74 Teams
- Cut: Top 33 Teams and Ties – 36 Holes
- Playoff Format: Sudden-Death
Zurich Classic - Course Information
Course Architect:
Comparable Courses:
- TPC River Highlands – Travelers Championship – RESULTS
- TPC Twin Cities – 3M Open – RESULTS
- TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) – THE PLAYERS Championship – RESULTS
- Detroit Golf Club (North Course) – Rocket Classic – RESULTS
Comparable Location (Avondale, Louisiana):
- The Country Club of Jackson – Jackson, Mississippi– Sanderson Farms Championship
- Memorial Park Golf Course – Houston, Texas – Texas Children's Houston Open
- TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) – San Antonio, Texas – Valero Texas Open
- TPC Craig Ranch – McKinney, Texas – THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
- Colonial Country Club – Fort Worth, Texas – Charles Schwab Challenge
Designer Link (Pete Dye):
- PGA WEST (Pete Dye Stadium Course) – Pete Dye (1986) – The American Express
- TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) – Pete Dye (1980) – THE PLAYERS Championship
- Harbour Town Golf Links – Pete Dye (1969) – RBC Heritage
- TPC River Highlands – Pete Dye (1982) – Travelers Championship
Comparable Yardage (7,425 Yards):
Comparable Greens (Bermuda with a Poa trivialis overseed .100”):
- PGA West (Stadium + Tournament Course) – Tifdwarf bermuda .110” w/ Poa overseed .115” – The American Express
- TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course) – TifEagle bermudagrass / Poa trivialis overseed .100” – THE PLAYERS Championship
- Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – TifEagle bermuda overseeded with Poa Trivialis .115” – Valspar Championship
- Memorial Park Golf Course – Bermudagrass with Poa trivialis overseed .110” – Texas Children's Houston Open
- Harbour Town Golf Links – TifEagle bermuda w/ Poa trivialis overseed .115” – ZRBC Heritage
- Quail Hollow Club – Champion G12 bermudagrass overseeded with Poa trivialis .125” – Truist Championship
Comparable Average Green Size (5,225 sq. ft.):
Zurich Classic - TV Information (ET)
Zurich Classic - Weather
Zurich Classic - Course/Tournament History
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans was first played in 1938, though it has been held annually since 1958. Throughout its early history, the tournament rotated among several courses in the New Orleans area before settling at TPC Louisiana in 2005, where it has remained ever since, except for 2006.
Originally contested as a traditional stroke play event, the tournament underwent a significant change in 2017 when it transitioned to a team format. It now stands as the only official team event on the PGA TOUR schedule, featuring two-player teams competing in alternating formats throughout the week.
Zurich Insurance Group has served as the title sponsor since 2005. Prior to that, the tournament was known as the Classic of New Orleans, with various sponsors holding naming rights over the years.
Since the format change, a few notable trends have emerged. Cameron Smith is the only player to win the event twice in the team era, capturing the inaugural team title in 2017 alongside Jonas Blixt and winning again in 2021 with fellow Australian Marc Leishman.
Billy Horschel is the only player to win the event in both formats. He first won the individual title in 2013, then returned to win the team version in 2018 alongside Scott Piercy. Notably, Jason Dufner, who won the individual event in 2012, finished runner-up to Horschel and Piercy in that 2018 team event.
TPC Louisiana opened in 2004 and was designed by Pete Dye in collaboration with Steve Elkington and Kelly Gibson. Built on more than 250 acres of wetlands just outside New Orleans, the course was designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, incorporating native cypress trees, water hazards, and the region’s marshland landscape.
TPC Louisiana plays as a par 72 and stretches over 7,400 yards. True to Dye’s design style, the layout features visually intimidating tee shots, risk-reward opportunities, and strategically placed bunkering. Water comes into play on several holes, and the course often demands precise iron play and strong decision-making, especially in alternate shot formats.
The course underwent significant repairs following Hurricane Katrina, which delayed its early years but ultimately led to improvements in conditioning and infrastructure.
Previous Tournament Venues:
| Duration | Course | Location |
| 2005, 2007-2019, 2021-Present | TPC Louisiana | Avondale, Louisiana, United States |
| 1989-2004, 2006 | English Turn Golf and Country Club | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| 1963-1988 | Lakewood Country Club | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| 1938-1942, 2944-1946, 1948, 1958-1962 | City Park Golf Courses | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
Previous Tournament Names:
| Duration: | Tournament Name: |
| 2005-2019, 2021-Present | Zurich Classic of New Orleans |
| 2003–2004 | HP Classic of New Orleans |
| 1999–2002 | Compaq Classic of New Orleans |
| 1996–1998 | Freeport- McDermott Classic |
| 1994–1995 | Freeport-McMoRan Classic |
| 1992–1993 | Freeport-McMoRan Golf Classic |
| 1982–1991 | USF&G Classic |
| 1981 | USF&G New Orleans Open |
| 1980 | Greater New Orleans Open |
| 1975–1979 | First NBC New Orleans Open |
| 1972–1974 | Greater New Orleans Invitational |
| 1958–1971 | Greater New Orleans Open Invitational |
| 1939–1948 | New Orleans Open |
| 1938 | Crescent City Open |
Course Records:
- 72-Hole Record (TPC Louisiana):
- 258, Nick Hardy/Davis Riley (2023)
- Alternate Shot 18-Hole Record (TPC Louisiana):
- 63, Adam Hadwin/Nick Taylor (Final Round, 2023), Patrick Cantlay/Xander Schauffele (Round 2, 2023), Chad Ramey/Martin Trainer (Final Round, 2024)
- Best Ball 18-Hole Record (TPC Louisiana):
- 58, Isaiah Salinda/Kevin Velo (Round 1, 2025)
Zurich Classic - Course Guide/ Scorecard
Originally designed by Pete Dye and opened in 2004, TPC Louisiana plays as a traditional par 72 layout, featuring four par 3s, ten par 4s, and four par 5s.
In terms of length, the course stretches to approximately 7,425 yards, placing it around the middle tier compared to other PGA TOUR venues. The fairways are relatively generous, averaging about 34.5 yards in width, which allows players to be aggressive off the tee.
The greens are smaller than average, measuring roughly 5,225 square feet, which places added importance on approach play and precision with irons. Bunkering is present but not overly penal, with just over 100 bunkers on the property, while water hazards come into play on several holes, adding another layer of difficulty and strategic decision making throughout the round.
Did you know RotoBaller has a Premium PGA DFS and Betting subscription? Check out the recent big winner below! Show your support for Patrick by using discount code GATOR to save 30% on any PGA Premium Pass, this week only. Gain full access to all Premium articles, DFS and betting tools, Lineup Optimizer, Research Station and weekly picks from proven winners!
The King of DFS did it again in R3 Showdown. @draftmasterflex pic.twitter.com/NojMJ9uJp8
— RotoBaller PGA (@RotoBallerPGA) March 8, 2026
It’s always fun to hit an outright, especially when it’s over 100/1 and with a player that has a story like Gary Woodland!
Catch my @Novig picks FREE every week @RotoBaller 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RDWt2asRnA
— Joe Nicely (@JoeNicely) March 29, 2026
Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 18
Zurich Classic - Key Statistics
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
Strokes Gained: Approach
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)
Par 3 Scoring: 201-225 Yards
Par 4 Scoring: 350-400, 450-500 Yards
Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards
Scrambling %
Birdie or Better %
Proximity Gained: 200+ Yards
Comparable Courses and Event History
Zurich Classic - The Field
The 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans features a 74-team field. The tournament includes just one of the top-10 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, headlined by World No. 3 Matt Fitzpatrick. Defending champions Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak will be in the field this week.
Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:
- Winner - PGA/U.S. Open Championship
- Tournament Winner in Past Two Seasons
- Top 70 on Prior Years FedExCup Points List
- Top 5 from PGA TOUR Q-School
- Top 30 on Prior Years FedExCup Points List
- Top 20 Prior Season Korn Ferry Tour Points List
- Top 100 on prior season FedExCup Fall Points List
- Top 100 (Medical)
- Sponsors Exemptions - Unrestricted
- Reorder for 111-125/300 Career Cuts
- PGA TOUR University
- Past Champions & Veteran Members Beyond 150 on the FedEx Cup Fall
- Past Champion of Respective Event
- Past Champion Member
- Major Medical Extension
- Leading 10 players (not otherwise exempt) on DP World Tour
- Designated Sponsor Exemption
- 126-150 on FedExCup Fall Points List
- 101-110 prior season FedExCup Fall Points List
Previous Winners in the Field (Event):
- Andrew Novak / Ben Griffin – 2025
- Nick Hardy / Davis Riley– 2023
Exemptions:
- Blades Brown: Sponsor Exemptions - Unrestricted
- Martin Couvra: Sponsor Exemptions - Unrestricted
- Alex Fitzpatrick: Sponsor Exemptions - Unrestricted
- Jacob Skov Olesen: Sponsor Exemptions - Unrestricted
- Casey Jarvis: Designated Sponsor Exemption
Notable Withdraws/ Changes:
- David Ford (WD); Sudarshan Yellamaraju (IN), with Ryan Gerard
Zurich Classic - The Odds
Here’s a breakdown of the top players in the field for this year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana, ranked by current betting odds (via DraftKings). The table below details each player’s five most recent finishes on the PGA Tour/ DP World Tour and their last result at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. My top plays of the week are included in the PGA Premium package.
| Team | Odds | Last 5 Finishes on the PGA TOUR/ *DPWT (Recent -> Past) |
Last 5 Finishes at the Zurich Classic (Recent -> Past) |
| Matt Fitzpatrick / Alex Fitzpatrick | +1100 | WON-T18-1ON-2-T41/ WON*-T6*-T14*-T23*-MC* | MC-T11-T19/ MC-T11-T19 |
| Brooks Koepka / Shane Lowry | +1500 | T12-MC-T18-T13-T9/ T42-T30-T28-MC-MC | T22-MC-T5-T21/ T12-WON-13-MC-T28 |
| Andrew Novak / Ben Griffin | +1750 | T16-MC-T14-T55-MC/ T33-T33-T28-MC-MC | WON-T23-MC-MC/ WON-MC-MC |
| Michael Thorbjornsen / Karl Vilips | +1850 | T33-MC-T14-T22-T33/ T33-MC-T19-T64-MC | T4/ T4 |
| Aaron Rai / Sahith Theegala | +2050 | 48-MC-MC-T23-T28/ T25-T10-MC-T32-T6 | T18-T23-T13-T4/ T18-MC-T23 |
| Taylor Moore / Wyndham Clark | +2200 | T39-MC-MC-T50-T44/ T16-T21-MC-MC-T42 | MC-MC-T4-T4/ MC-3-T10-T17-MC |
| Haotong Li / Jordan Smith | +2200 | T39-MC-MC-MC-MC/ T16-MC-T44-3-MC | -/ MC |
Zurich Classic - Previous Winners' Scores and Prices
- 2025: Ben Griffin/ Andrew Novak (-28)
- Price: 25-1
- 2024: Shane Lowry/ Rory McIlroy (-25)
- Price: 15-2
- 2023: Nick Hardy/ Davis Riley (-30)
- Price: 40-1
- 2022: Patrick Cantlay/ Xander Schauffele (-29)
- Price: 9-1
- 2021: Marc Leishman/ Cameron Smith (-20)
- Price: 12-1
Best of luck, and as always, you can find me on X @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting!
More PGA Analysis and Picks
Win More With RotoBaller
Win more with expert tools and advice from proven winners! RotoBaller's PGA Premium Packages feature several savvy analysts and proven winners for DFS and betting.
Our very own Joe Nicely took down a big DraftKings DFS tournament for the Travelers Championship. And as an encore, RotoBaller subscriber @tenndolly2 won $100K on FanDuel with the help of Joe and the rest of our Premium PGA team:
If you read my articles @RotoBaller or listen to @TheTurnGolfPod I’ve been telling y’all it was #WinningSeason when golf came back! Shoutout to the entire @RotoBallerPGA squad and all you guys that support my work for all the ❤️ pic.twitter.com/07a4ynvbSU
— Joe Nicely (@JoeNicely) June 28, 2020
Between all the incredible Premium PGA DFS and Betting content and tools we put out each week, and our Premium Slack Community where we chat with our subscribers before lineups lock, RotoBaller PGA subscribers are armed with the tools, analysis, and advice to win more.Congrats @tenndolly2 ???
— RotoBaller PGA (@RotoBallerPGA) August 10, 2020
Thanks for being a @RotoBaller PGA DFS Premium subscriber & checking out all the amazing golf content that @JoeNicely produces every week! https://t.co/tHKZVsPbbt
