The Zurich Classic of New Orleans 2026 is back at TPC Louisiana with a format that stands out on the PGA Tour: a team event using alternating rounds of four-ball and foursomes. This event runs Thursday through Sunday and features 80 two-player teams competing not only for prize money but also FedEx Cup points.
Fans eager to watch can tune in via the ESPN App, ESPN streaming hub, and Disney+ for first-round coverage starting at 8 a.m. Eastern on April 23. The schedule maintains early starts, with second and third rounds beginning at 8:45 a.m. and the final round at 10:30 a.m., all Eastern time. Coverage includes multiple feeds, such as featured holes and groups, giving viewers plenty of angles on the action.
Why the Zurich Classic Format Demands a Different Strategy
The event’s format alternates between four-ball and foursomes each day. Four-ball means each player plays their own ball, and the team’s score on each hole is the lower of the two players’ scores. In contrast, foursomes involve players alternating shots with one ball per team, requiring precise coordination and teamwork. This structure forces teams to adapt quickly to different styles of play — aggressive in four-ball rounds, strategic and controlled in foursomes.
Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak, last year’s champions, mastered these transitions on their way to a 28-under 260, edging out the Højgaard twins by a single stroke. Their success highlights how mastering both formats can be the difference between winning and falling short.
How the FedEx Cup Points and Prize Money Work
Each team member earns an equal share of both FedEx Cup points and prize money. For example, the winning team splits 800 FedEx Cup points equally, giving each player 400 points. This setup not only rewards individual performance within a team setting but also makes every shot critical for both partners. The financial incentives add another layer of intensity, as players compete for substantial rewards.
Top Teams to Watch This Year
Some standout teams in the 2026 field include last year’s winners Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak, the Fitzpatrick brothers Matt and Alex, Brooks Koepka paired with Shane Lowry, Ryan Gerard alongside Sudarshan Yellamaraju, and Wyndham Clark with Taylor Moore. These pairs bring a range of styles and experience, making the team dynamics and format even more compelling.
What This Means for Fans and Players Alike
The Zurich Classic’s alternating format challenges players to switch from individual aggression in four-ball to synchronized precision in foursomes. For fans, it offers a diverse viewing experience and a chance to see teamwork under pressure on a high-quality golf course. The early round start times on ESPN's platforms also make it accessible for viewers nationwide.
Understanding the format and schedule helps fans know when and how to catch the best moments. It also provides insight into how players prepare and adjust their game — a fascinating study in golf strategy and partnership.
How to Watch and Follow More Golf Content
Besides live coverage, ESPN's golf hub offers up-to-date news, stats, schedules, and player rankings, including LPGA updates. This centralized access makes it easy for fans to stay connected to the broader golf world while following the Zurich Classic’s unfolding drama.
According to All The Golf, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans continues to be a unique and evolving event on the PGA Tour calendar, blending traditional stroke play with team competition and offering a fresh challenge for players and a fresh spectacle for fans.
What to Watch Next
Keep an eye on how teams adjust their strategies between the four-ball and foursomes rounds, especially during the late stages when every shot counts toward FedEx Cup points and prize money. The final round’s foursomes format often reveals which pair has the best communication and composure under pressure. For a broader view, explore our coverage of PGA Tour news and results.
Source: according to All The Golf
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