Zurich announces team format for 2017
Story courtesy of Louisiana
Golf Association
16
The PGA TOUR Policy Board has
approved an exciting new two-man team
format for the Zurich Classic of New
Orleans which will feature two rounds each
of Foursome and Four-Ball competition.
The change will be in effect for the 2017
tournament, which is scheduled for April
24-30 at TPC Louisiana in New Orleans.
It has drawn widespread interest among
TOUR members and already has resulted
in a couple of high-profile commitments.
Announcing their participation today were
the teams of World No. 1 Jason Day with
Rickie Fowler, and 2015 Zurich Classic of
New Orleans champion Justin Rose with
Henrik Stenson, the Olympic gold and silver
medalists, respectively.
“I’ve loved being a part of team events
throughout my amateur, collegiate and now
professional career. I’m so excited that the
TOUR and Zurich are making this part of
our schedule and can’t wait to tee it up with
Jason in April,” said Fowler, the 10th ranked
golfer in the world.
“As a longtime ambassador, the Zurich
Classic is already a special tournament for
me,” said Rose, who beat Stenson by two
strokes to become the 2016 Olympic Gold
Medalist in Rio de Janeiro. “The addition of
a team format adds a new, incredibly exciting
element to the event. Henrik and I are very
excited to tee it up together in April, and
hopefully we can continue our longstanding
chemistry and success in team formats.”
The new 72-hole stroke play format will
feature Foursomes (alternate shot) during the
first and third rounds and Four-Ball (best ball)
during the second and fourth rounds. The
starting field will consist of 80 teams (160
players). Each of the top available players
from the PGA TOUR Priority Rankings who
commits to the tournament will choose his
partner, who in turn must have PGA TOUR
status unless he is chosen as a tournament
sponsor exemption.
Following the conclusion of the second
round, there will be a cut to the low 35 teams
and ties at the 35th position. In case of a tie
after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death
playoff using the Four-Ball format.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans will
continue to award FedExCup points and
official money, and will count as an official
victory for the membe rs of the winning
team. As such, both players will receive
a two-year winner’s exemption and an
eligibility into Invitational fields, including
the Tournament of Champions and THE