2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans Predictions

The Zurich Classic makes its stop here in New Orleans for what always turns out to be a really fun event. One of the only team events we have provides a lot of fireworks, and gives us the opportunity to see many golfers have a chance to get their first win with a good friend by their side. TPC Louisiana has hosted this event since 2005. TPC Luisiana is a Pete Dye design, has over 100 bunkers and has a few penalty areas that could prove costly if hit into. It is a par 72 and can be stretched out to 7,400 yards. This format is always fun because we never get to see team events unless it is the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup. The format will see teams compete in fourball (best-ball) and foursomes (alternate shot), which is always a tough format. I look for the team with the hot putter to be in the winners circle this weekend! 

Team to Fade:

Team events are so hard to cap because you never know what could happen, but I am not sure I have seen either Robby Shelton or Trey Mullinax appear at the top of any leaderboards this year. I look for this team to fade off and not be around for the weekend. Trey’s last PGA event was an MC, and I can’t see Robby Shelton making too much of an impact. 

Dark Horses:

These are names we know in the golfing world, but I still view them as a dark horse team. Aaron Rai can get extremely hot in the 4-ball aspect of this, as he is no stranger to making a lot of birdies. Sahith Theegala has struggled some as of late, but he has made 11/12 cuts on the season. The biggest drawback with this team is their inability to make putts. Both have recently lost strokes putting in their last tournament, so if they want to contend like I think they can, they will need a couple of hot rounds with the putter. Both have been gaining strokes on approach, so look for them to do damage in the foursomes. 

Top 10:

Coming off finally winning the Masters and completing the Grand Slam, I could see Rory McIlroy with a new confidence now that the weight of the world is off his back. He gets to play with his best friend, and we know Rory is the best player in the field. Obviously, he must rely on his partner, but Shane Lowry has been playing good golf as of late. He has gained on approach in 5 of his last 6 events, and if that continues with Rory’s stellar driver, they should be in business. I predict they are at the top of the leaderboard this weekend, but I look for them to finish top 5. 

Winners:

I feel this is one of the hardest tournaments to pick because there are so many outliers, but I believe this team is coming in with really good form. Keith Mitchell finished in the top 20 in his last three events, including a T-2 at Corales last week. J. T. Poston is coming off an 11th place finish at the Heritage, and has made 11/12 cuts on the season. Put these two together, and I think they will find success this weekend. J. T. has recently been losing strokes on approach and off the tee, but gaining over a stroke and a half putting. This is the complete opposite of Keith Mitchell. I think these two will complement each other over the weekend, and be right in the mix when Sunday hits.