The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is a professional golf tournament that takes place annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event is part of the PGA Tour and has a unique format that sets it apart from other events on the Tour.
20-23 APRIL 2023
The Zurich Classic is New Orleans’ premier golf tournament and the only PGA TOUR event in the region. The tournament will be held on April 20 – 23, 2023.
The format of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans has added excitement and intrigue to the event, as players are not only competing for individual titles but also for the team title. This format has also provided an opportunity for players to form unique partnerships and compete alongside their friends or countrymen.
In addition to the team format, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans is also known for its picturesque location. The tournament takes place at TPC Louisiana, a course that was designed by renowned golf course architect Pete Dye. The course features 18 holes of championship golf, with water hazards and strategically placed bunkers adding to the challenge.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans has seen its fair share of memorable moments over the years. In 2006, Chris Couch set a course record by shooting a 62 in the second round. In 2013, Billy Horschel won his first PGA Tour event by sinking a 27-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. In 2016, Brian Stuard won his first PGA Tour event in a playoff against Jamie Lovemark and Byeong Hun An.
In 2019, the team of Ryan Palmer and Jon Rahm won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The duo combined to shoot a 26-under par, edging out the teams of Tommy Fleetwood and Sergio Garcia, and Scott Stallings and Trey Mullinax by three strokes.
The 2020 Zurich Classic of New Orleans was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the tournament returned in 2021 with a strong field. The team of Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith won the event, finishing at 20-under par and defeating the team of Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel in a playoff.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is more than just a golf tournament. It also has a strong charitable component, with the Fore!Kids Foundation serving as the tournament’s primary beneficiary. The foundation’s mission is to enhance the lives of children in the New Orleans area by supporting education and healthcare initiatives.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans has raised over $43 million for charity since its inception, with the Fore!Kids Foundation using the funds to support various organizations and programs in the New Orleans area. Some of the organizations that have benefited from the tournament’s charitable efforts include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana, Children’s Hospital, and the Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans.
In addition to its charitable efforts, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans also has a strong economic impact on the city of New Orleans. The tournament attracts thousands of visitors each year, generating millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses and hotels.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is a unique and exciting event that combines great golf with charitable giving and economic benefits for the local community. Its team format and picturesque location make it a must-see event for golf fans, while its charitable efforts and economic impact make it a valuable asset for the city of New Orleans.