Golf Betting Tips: Zurich Classic of New Orleans Predictions, Preview and Best Bets

John Pentin is on hand this week to provide top-notch betting insights and a comprehensive preview for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, which unfolds at the picturesque TPC Louisiana. As the only stroke play team event on the PGA Tour’s calendar, it offers a unique spectacle.

Continue reading to discover his two main selections for the week, which include an exclusive Premium tip available solely to subscribers of the Premium Tips Club. Enhance your betting experience by subscribing here to access detailed analyses and the coveted Premium tip. Don’t forget to check out our handpicked golf betting offers listed below to maximise your value.

Zurich Classic of New Orleans Betting

Zurich Classic of New Orleans Betting Tips | Thursday 25th April to Sunday 28th April 2024

---

🚨 This Article Also Contains A Premium Tip – Click Here Or Scroll Down This Page To Find It 👇

---

The Best Free Tip

---

The Zurich Classic boasts a storied history dating back to 1938, and aside from a brief hiatus in 2020, it has been a fixture on the PGA Tour since 1958. This event has seen legends like Byron Nelson, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus grace its leaderboards. In 2017, the format was revitalised to a team event, injecting new life into the competition and attracting a stronger field.

Course Analysis: TPC Louisiana

Design and Layout

TPC Louisiana, a Bermuda grass course designed by Pete Dye, sits on 250 acres of what was once swamp land. Featuring 71 bunkers and numerous water hazards affecting eight holes, it presents a challenge despite its generous fairways and average-sized greens, which usually run at around 12 on the stimpmeter. The course’s design rewards strategic play and precision, making it a test of both skill and teamwork.

Historical Performance and Key Statistics

The course record under the team format shows a trend towards very low scores, with the last few winners reaching at least 20-under-par, highlighting the importance of aggressive play and excellent putting. Notably, the fairways are broad, which tends to neutralise the advantage of longer hitters. Instead, success here has often been achieved by those with a strong short game and exceptional putting skills, as evidenced by players like Brian Stuard, who won in 2016 with superb scrambling and putting stats, despite ranking low in driving distance.

Tournament Dynamics and Player Fit

Skills for Success

Given the tournament’s format and course setup, teams that combine consistent iron play with a hot putter tend to thrive. The switch between Four-ball and Foursomes play demands versatility and strong communication between partners, making team chemistry a crucial element.

Challenges and Strategic Considerations

Players will need to manage their game strategically through the varying demands of Four-ball and Foursomes rounds. The latter, involving alternate shot play, places a premium on precision and synergy, as one errant shot can significantly impact the team. The course’s layout, with its significant water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, particularly towards the closing holes, will test the players’ nerve and precision under pressure.

Predictive Analysis: Key Contenders

Market Leaders

The defending champions, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, return with strong form and a history of success in this format, making them formidable competitors. However, their relatively short odds might not offer the best value given the unpredictable nature of the team event.

Emerging Teams in Focus at the Zurich Classic

Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama

This duo combines Morikawa’s razor-sharp iron play and Kitayama’s growing consistency on tour. Morikawa, a two-time major champion, has shown a particular affinity for Pete Dye designs, which require precision and strategic course management—skills he possesses in abundance.

Kitayama’s recent form, including top finishes in strong fields, suggests he’s ready to step up on the big stage. Together, they could leverage their complementary strengths to navigate the challenges of TPC Louisiana effectively.

The Irish Partnership: Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry stand as a formidable team entering the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Despite McIlroy’s inexperience at TPC Louisiana, his impressive resume on Pete Dye-designed courses—such as his victories at Kiawah Island and Crooked Stick, as well as his triumph at the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass—indicates his ability to quickly familiarise himself with similar layouts.

Shane Lowry, pairing with McIlroy, brings a robust synergy to the duo, augmented by their shared experiences in team competitions like the Ryder Cup. Their ability to inspire each other, combined with their technical skills, particularly in high-pressure scenarios, makes them a compelling team to watch in this tournament.

Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman

Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman, both from Australia, have previously demonstrated their capability in team formats, notably with Smith’s multiple successes at this event with different partners.

Known for their prowess in short game and putting, this pair could be particularly dangerous on a course like TPC Louisiana, where precise greenside play and a steady hand on the putter are crucial. Their camaraderie and seasoned partnership might provide the edge needed in the pressure-packed moments of the tournament.

The American Contenders: Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris

Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, both emerging talents on the PGA Tour, bring a blend of youthful energy and strategic acumen to the Zurich Classic. Theegala’s recent runner-up finish at the RBC Heritage, held on another Pete Dye course, underscores his readiness and adaptability to challenging layouts.

Zalatoris, known for his precision and iron play, complements Theegala’s game perfectly, especially under the Four-ball format where aggressive play can be significantly rewarding. Their recent performances, combined with their understanding of the course dynamics at TPC Louisiana, position them as a strong contender for the title.

The Scandinavian Challengers: Viktor Hovland and Kristoffer Ventura

Viktor Hovland and Kristoffer Ventura bring a Scandinavian flair to the Zurich Classic. Both players, hailing from Norway, have demonstrated solid play on the PGA Tour, with Hovland already established as one of the top young talents in golf. Ventura, though less experienced at the highest levels, has shown flashes of brilliance that could mesh well with Hovland’s consistent performance.

Their familiarity with each other’s play style, stemming from their college days at Oklahoma State University, could prove advantageous in both the Four-ball and Foursomes formats.

Each of these teams presents a unique blend of skills and chemistry that could prove decisive over the course of this distinctive event. As the tournament progresses, the dynamic between these pairs and their adaptation to the format and course will be crucial in determining their success.

Predictions for Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Free Tip: Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry represent a team with a potent combination of world-class skill, battle-tested camaraderie, and recent competitive sharpness. McIlroy’s adeptness on Pete Dye courses is well-documented, boasting a strong track record that includes multiple major victories on similar layouts. His ability to navigate challenging courses aligns perfectly with the strategic demands of TPC Louisiana.

Shane Lowry brings a complementary set of skills, particularly in adverse conditions, which could be a decisive factor given the unpredictable weather patterns often seen in New Orleans. His proficiency in short game and putting adds a layer of security and competitiveness to the team dynamic.

Moreover, their shared experiences from the Ryder Cup and other team formats could galvanise their performance, making them a formidable pairing in both the Four-ball and Foursomes segments. Their synergy, combined with individual prowess, presents a compelling case for them to excel in a format that rewards strategic acumen and mutual understanding.

🚨 Today’s Golf Premium Tip: Zurich Classic of New Orleans Premium Prediction 👇

Premium Membership Benefits

Before diving into our premium prediction, it’s essential to highlight the benefits of our Premium Tips Club. Members enjoy exclusive access to expert-selected tips, detailed performance analysis, and a daily newsletter focused on premium content. This comprehensive approach ensures that members have the best possible advice at their fingertips, enhancing their betting strategy with insights from over two decades of sports betting experience. For further details and to see the performance of our tips, visit our Premium Tips Hub page.

🚨Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Our Premium Tip👇

⚠️Premium Members: Scroll further down to see the Premium tips👇

Enhance your betting game with our daily free betting tips, predictions, and accumulators.

For more betting tips and news, check out:

• Golf Tips
• Our Comprehensive Betting News

Don’t forget to visit our Free Bets page for the best possible value as well as our Predictions.

Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!