The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans tees off this week at TPC Louisiana, where team play once again takes centre stage in one of the PGA Tour’s most entertaining formats.
With a mix of four-ball and foursomes over four days, this unique event offers a refreshing change from the usual grind of individual stroke play.
The course itself, a Pete Dye design stretching over 7,400 yards as a par 72, is a demanding layout situated along the Mississippi River delta. Large bunkers, water hazards, and narrow landing zones force players to think their way around, while the four-ball rounds often yield low scores and birdie streaks. The alternate shot (foursomes) format, though, is where the leaderboard truly begins to separate as consistency and chemistry are tested.
Past champions like Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, who return again this year, highlight just how crucial partnership dynamics are at TPC Louisiana. With top players joining forces and under-the-radar duos hoping to steal the show, it promises to be another thrilling week in New Orleans.
Let’s take a look at a pair we’re backing to perform strongly this week.
Keith Mitchell & J.T. Poston – 16/1
This Southern duo brings a potent mix of firepower and finesse into the Zurich. Mitchell is one of the most explosive drivers on Tour, ranking near the top in strokes gained off the tee, while Poston offers a smooth putting stroke and a tidy short game that has helped him clinch multiple top-20 finishes in recent months.
Poston’s precision pairs nicely with Mitchell’s aggression from the tee box, making them dangerous in both formats. Mitchell is fresh off a strong showing at the Corales Puntacana Championship, finishing T2, and Poston has been consistently making cuts and hanging around the top 30.
With complementary strengths and a friendship off the course, Mitchell and Poston could be a sneaky pick to contend heading into the weekend. We’re paying 6 places here and at 16/1 they could be good value as an each-way bet.
Nick Hardy & Davis Riley – 80/1
This pairing might not be the flashiest, but they’ve already proven they know how to win here, having claimed the 2023 Zurich Classic title in impressive fashion. Chemistry is no issue and both have quietly been trending upwards with decent results.
After three missed cuts, Hardy bounced back to finish T41 at the Corales Puntacana Championship, while Davis Riley has recorded a T6 and seventh place finish in his last five outings, as well as a T21 at The Masters.
Hardy has been sharp with the irons this spring, while Riley recently posted a seven-under-par at the Valspar. Their past success at TPC Louisiana, combined with recent signs of life, make them a serious threat at a great-value price of 80/1.
While neither has lit up the Tour in solo play recently, they know how to win here and that confidence could carry them into the weekend once again. If you’re looking for value with proven Zurich success, don’t overlook these former champions.
