The Zurich Classic: 5 must-know facts as ‘drunken lunch’ pair Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry eye defence
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans stands out as the only official team event on the PGA Tour, with the latest instalment of the 2025 season taking place again at TPC Louisiana.
An annual gathering that offers a welcome twist and change of atmosphere from usual tournament play, the 80 two-man teams play two alternating rounds of fourballs and foursomes.
Since its inception, the event has been a fan favourite, with it providing a different vibe from the drama at Augusta National a fortnight prior.
The 2025 Masters champion, Rory McIlroy, is amongst the entries for this weekend’s event in New Orleans as he teams up again with Shane Lowry as defending champions, with the pair having won the event in 2024.
The festive atmosphere in the ‘Big Easy’, combined with the strategic and scenic TPC Louisiana course, make it one of the most entertaining stops of the PGA Tour season.
The team element of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans will provide a different spectacle, but what other crazy facts make this much loved event tick?
Revival of team play on the PGA Tour
In 2017, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans announced the event would be reintroducing team play to the PGA Tour calendar for the first time since 1981.
Having been an individual strokeplay tournament for many decades, the rejuvenation of the event has transformed it’s recognition, viewership and brought a real buzz over the past eight seasons.
A platform for stars of the future
Often serving as a launchpad for emerging talent, the event allows them to compete alongside the best in an arguably more relaxed team environment.
The 2023 champions, Nick Hardy and Davis Riley, are notable examples of the effect that success at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans can have on the careers of emerging stars.
Despite the fun atmosphere at the event, victory comes with substantial benefits including 400 FedEx Cup points, a two-year PGA Tour exemption and direct entry into the PGA Championship – not a bad incentive.
McIlroy and Lowry’s tipsy lunch
McIlroy and Lowry’s winning partnership last season spawned from a celebratory ‘drunken lunch’ following the Ryder Cup.
It was a match made in heaven with the two friends teaming up and translating their proven chemistry to the golf course, culminating in a tense playoff victory.
Their title highlighted the fun spirit of the event and now McIlroy is making his first appearance since his thrilling win at Augusta National as the pair attempt to bring further joy to Irish golf by defending their title.
A family affair
Sibling pairings have been a regular feature in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, adding a precious opportunity for families to compete together as opposed to being rivals.
There are three sibling pairings in the field of 160 this weekend, with Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard, Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick, as well as Yannik and Jeremy Paul teeing it up in the name of brotherhood.
Family pairings bring yet more warmth to the event, which brings smiles through the 72 holes to patrons and TV viewers alike.
TPC Louisiana’s resilient design
TPC Louisiana is situated below sea level, presenting a series of logistical challenges in preserving the famous course and its drainage.
The iconic PGA Tour course designer, Pete Dye, created the course with significant recent renovations to address the growing flooding concerns.
Improved drainage and raised fairways have allowed the event to roar year on year with the course maintaining its quality despite the constant geographical challenges it faces.
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