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How to bet the Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Should you back the Fitzpatrick pairing?
TL;DR
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is the PGA Tour's only team event, featuring 80 two-player teams competing over four rounds. The Fitzpatrick brothers are a strong betting option at +1175, but course dynamics require complementary skill sets for success.
Key points
- The Zurich Classic is the PGA Tour's only official team event.
- It features 80 teams competing over four rounds at TPC Louisiana.
- The tournament alternates between Four-ball and Foursomes formats.
- The Fitzpatrick brothers are a notable betting option at +1175.
- Complementary skill sets are crucial for success in this tournament.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is a puzzle that can be difficult to piece together.
It is the PGA Tour's only official team event, featuring 80 teams of two players competing over four rounds at TPC Louisiana. The tournament alternates formats each day with Four-ball (Best Ball) played in Rounds 1 and 3 and Foursomes (Alternate Shot) played in Rounds 2 and 4.
You can look at the two best players in the field and bet accordingly. That's how you end up with the Fitzpatrick brothers at +1175 and feel good about it, with Matt fresh off his second win of the season.
TPC Louisiana is a different setup, though. Redundant skill sets don't typically win this format. Two elite ball strikers who both have neutral putting games sound great until you're watching them grind through four ball rounds manufacturing birdie looks that nobody converts.
The course is forgiving enough off the tee and around the green that approach play and par 5 execution are doing the heavy lifting. What separates contenders is having one player who creates the looks and the other who finishes them.
I'm going with a light card this week, with one pairing standing out above the rest.
Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook
Best bets
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Ryan Gerard and Sudarshan Yellamaraju: Both Top 5 +320 and To win +1750
This duo is built exactly this way. Gerard is 12th in strokes gained approach, while Yellamaraju is top 15 or better in par 5 scoring, and putts made from 10-15 feet (beneficial on these large greens). One guy attacks the course, while the other converts, with neither bleeding strokes anywhere critical.
These odds feel like a misprice. The Fitzpatricks gets the attention because of the name and Matt's recent form, two wins in the last three starts. Gerard and Yellamaraju get the better number because of course fit.
How to play it: Top 5 is a mid-unit play, while winning is worth a sprinkle. This is the only pairing on the board where the profile and the price both point in the same direction.
Q&A
What is the format of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans?
The tournament features alternating formats: Four-ball in Rounds 1 and 3, and Foursomes in Rounds 2 and 4.
Why are the Fitzpatrick brothers considered a good betting option?
They are priced at +1175 and Matt Fitzpatrick is coming off his second win of the season, indicating strong form.
What skills are important for success at TPC Louisiana?
Successful teams need one player who creates birdie opportunities and another who can convert them, as approach play and par 5 execution are crucial.
How many teams compete in the Zurich Classic?
The Zurich Classic features 80 teams of two players each.
