Two-Man Showdown: Stars, Surprises, and Team Chemistry at the 2025 Zurich Classic
Team golf returns to the PGA Tour this week as the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans tees off at TPC Louisiana. As the Tour’s only official team event, the Zurich Classic provides a unique twist in the schedule, blending camaraderie, strategy, and a touch of chaos into four days of high-stakes golf. With alternate shots and best ball formats that test not only individual skill but team chemistry, fans are in for a thrilling spectacle on the bayou. This year’s field features a dynamic mix of defending champions, rising stars, international duos, and fan-favorite partnerships all looking to lift the trophy come Sunday. With FedEx Cup points, bragging rights, and potential Ryder Cup implications on the line, the Zurich Classic stands alone as a celebration of teamwork in a sport typically ruled by solo efforts.
Tournament Details
Location: TPC Louisiana, Avondale, LA
Dates: April 24th - 27th, 2025
Defending Champions: Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry
Format: Two-Man Teams - Fourball Thursday/Saturday, Foursomes Friday/Sunday
Purse: $Nine million
FedEx Cup Points: 400 per winning player
Event Type: Regular
Course Week Breakdown
TPC Louisiana plays as a 7,425-yard, par-72 layout and provides a scenic but challenging stage for team competition. The Pete Dye-designed course features strategic bunkering, risk-reward par fives, and plenty of water hazards, especially on the back nine. In fourball, aka best ball, expect plenty of birdies as aggressive play is rewarded, but in alternate shot, aka foursomes, the stakes rise quickly as one poor shot can swing an entire round. Coordination, communication, and trust between partners become just as important as ball-striking or putting. The greens are large but undulating, rewarding those who can lag putt and read tricky slopes. Given the team format, bold strategy decisions and laying up versus going for it often define the leaderboard.
The weather this week in Louisiana should be warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the low 70s in the mornings to mid-80s in the afternoons. Rain could be a factor Thursday and Friday, with thunderstorms in the forecast and winds reaching 10 - 11 mph, which would especially impact teams trying to make the cut. Sunday looks dry with softer conditions after the potential rain, which could lead to a birdie fest if teams are within striking distance.
Featured Teams
Defending Champions: Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry
One year ago, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry reminded the world why experience, talent, and friendship make a deadly combination in team golf. The Irish duo cruised to victory in 2024, combining McIlroy’s power and iron play with Lowry’s elite wedge game and clutch putting. Both players are having solid seasons. McIlroy, in his first event since winning the Masters, remains the points leader in the FedEx Cup, and Lowry’s game has been steadily improving after a sluggish start to the year. Their comfort level together gives them an edge in the tough alternate shot format, and they’ll be determined to go back-to-back. With momentum on their side and an affinity for team competition, don’t be surprised if they lift the trophy once again.
Young Guns on the Rise: Rasmus & Nicolai Hojgaard
The identical Danish twins are making waves on both the PGA and DP World Tours and view this week as a critical audition for Europe’s 2025 Ryder Cup squad. Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard bring not only family chemistry but serious firepower. They are in their early 20s and already boast wins on the international stage. Their games are also strikingly similar: long off the tee, aggressive into greens, and are streaky on the putting surface. They missed the cut last year, but have come into 2025 with a renewed focus and improved consistency. A high finish here would make a strong statement to European captain Luke Donald as the twins eye a place on one of golf's grandest stages next fall.
Team to Watch: Sahith Theegala & Aaron Rai
Sahith Theegala’s flair and creativity meets Aaron Rai’s technical precision in what could be one of the most well-balanced and exciting pairings in the field this week. Theegala, known for his aggressive play and fearless shot-making, is capable of going on birdie streaks, especially in the fourball format. Rai, by contrast, is a fairways-and-greens machine who thrives in structured play, making him the ideal alternate shot partner. Both players have some ground to make up in the FedEx Cup race and know a strong showing this week could be a turning point in their seasons. Chemistry will be key, but if they find it early, they could be a serious threat to win.
Fan Favorites: Joel Dahmen & Harry Higgs
Few duos bring as much personality and fan appeal to the course as Joel Dahmen and Harry Higgs. While their results don’t always jump off the page, their bond and carefree energy make them must-watch TV at Zurich. They’ve played together before and know each other’s games well, often relying on good vibes and feel rather than technical perfection. That said, don’t sleep on their ability to contend. Dahmen has one of the best short games on Tour, and Higgs can heat up with the flatstick in a hurry. If they start making putts and feed off the crowd, a surprise top 10 or even a Cinderella run isn't out of the question.
Final Thoughts
The Zurich Classic is a breath of fresh air on the PGA Tour, offering something truly different and entertaining for players and fans alike. Team golf adds a new layer of strategy, emotion, and unpredictability, and in 2025, the storylines are richer than ever. Can Rory and Lowry defend? Will the Højgaard twins solidify their Ryder Cup credentials? Can a rising team like Theegala and Rai, or fan favorites Dahmen and Higgs, make a run? With a unique format, stacked field, and the always unpredictable Louisiana weather, the Zurich Classic is set to deliver another exciting chapter in this PGA Tour season.
