Golf Tournament Preview 2025: Zurich Classic, Odds, and PGA Predictions
The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans is underway at TPC Louisiana, featuring the unique PGA Tour two-man team format. Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are headlining the event, aiming to repeat their 2024 victory. Their strong start included a 64 in the first round, with birdies early on raising them on the leaderboard.
Zurich Classic Teams and Odds
The 2025 Zurich Classic pits 160 players in teams of two, often aligned by nationality, college ties, or friendship. The event’s format consists of two rounds of foursomes and two rounds of four-ball, adding strategic complexity.
Top Contenders
- Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry (-25): Defending champions looking to repeat their victory, with McIlroy’s recent Masters win boosting their odds.
- Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama: Solid partners with strong performances in team events.
- Thomas Detry and Robert MacIntyre: Strong individual players seeking to capitalize on their partner’s strengths.
- J.T. Poston and Keith Mitchell: Consistent scorers hoping to capitalize on the team format’s strategic opportunities.
- Taylor Moore and Wyndham Clark: Known for their aggressive yet steady play, which might suit the Zurich Classic.
How to Watch
Fans can watch the Zurich Classic live on ESPN, ESPN+, and Sky Sports Golf, with coverage beginning early morning and continuing through the afternoon and Sunday’s final round. Round 2 tee times for McIlroy and Lowry place them in the afternoon wave at 1:49 p.m. ET on Friday, paired with Kevin Chappell and Tom Hoge.
Betting Strategies
The team format changes traditional golf betting strategies. Bettors often consider:- The synergy and history of the pairings, since coordination in alternate shot and best ball formats is crucial.- How players perform in team settings and under alternate shot pressure.- Momentum from recent performances—McIlroy’s Masters win boosts confidence.- Weather and course conditions at TPC Louisiana, which favors strategic, steady play.
Summary
The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans is a thrilling event, with defending champions McIlroy and Lowry returning to defend their title. The team format adds strategic complexity to the tournament, influencing betting approaches that prioritize teamwork and form. Fans can follow the event closely across multiple platforms, making it an exciting spectacle for golf enthusiasts.
- The 2025 Zurich Classic, happening at TPC Louisiana, features a PGA Tour two-man team format, bringing together 160 players in pairs.
- Erik, a sports enthusiast, is keeping an eye on the event and is particularly interested in Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry's performance, as they aim to repeat their 2024 victory.
- In the 2025 Zurich Classic, McIlroy and Lowry hold the highest odds at -25, given McIlroy's recent win at the Masters.
- For those looking to place a bet, LinkedIn is a place to connect with like-minded golf enthusiasts who discuss strategies, including considering the synergy and history of the pairings, performance under team settings, recent performances, and weather conditions.
