The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is the PGA Tour’s only official team event, returning to TPC Louisiana in Avondale from 23 to 26 April 2026. Featuring 80 two-player teams competing across alternating rounds of foursomes and four-ball, the tournament offers a format unlike anything else on the Tour schedule. Defending champions Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak will look to retain the title they won in dramatic fashion in 2025.
What is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans?
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, held annually each spring in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Since 2017, it has operated as the Tour’s sole team event, with two-player partnerships competing over four rounds. The format alternates between foursomes (alternate shot) on Thursday and Saturday, and four-ball (best ball) on Friday and Sunday. A 36-hole cut reduces the field after the first two rounds, and the final round determines the winning team. The event carries full FedExCup points and an estimated purse of over $9 million, with each member of the winning team taking home approximately $1.3 million.
When is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans?
The 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans runs from Thursday 23 April to Sunday 26 April. Tournament week activities begin on Monday 20 April with practice rounds and pro-am competitions. Round 1 (foursomes) takes place on Thursday, Round 2 (four-ball) on Friday, Round 3 (foursomes) on Saturday, and the final round (four-ball) on Sunday. First tee times are typically around 8:00 AM CT (2:00 PM BST).
Where is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans?
The tournament is held at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, a suburb southwest of New Orleans in Jefferson Parish. Designed by Pete Dye in consultation with Steve Elkington and Kelly Gibson, the par-72 course opened in 2004 and stretches 7,425 yards across more than 250 acres of wetlands along the Mississippi River delta. The layout features over 100 bunkers and five water hazards, with the flat terrain and Louisiana humidity providing a distinctive test. TPC Louisiana is part of the PGA Tour’s Tournament Players Club network and is open to the public outside of tournament week.
Key Contenders
Defending champions Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak return after their breakthrough victory in 2025, where they finished at 28-under to win by a single stroke. The Hojgaard twins, Nicolai and Rasmus, who finished as runners-up in 2025 and are currently ranked 47th and 53rd in the world respectively, have committed to the 2026 edition. Sahith Theegala and Aaron Rai will team up for a second consecutive year, with Theegala arriving in strong form after four top-10 finishes in his last four starts. Shane Lowry, who won the 2024 Zurich Classic alongside Rory McIlroy, has joined the tournament’s ambassador roster for 2026, though his playing partner has yet to be confirmed. The team format consistently produces surprise contenders, with less heralded pairings often challenging the biggest names.
How to Watch
In the United States, early-round and featured group coverage is available on ESPN+ via PGA Tour Live, with Golf Channel broadcasting afternoon coverage on Thursday and Friday. CBS takes over for weekend afternoon windows on Saturday and Sunday, with streaming also available through Paramount+. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Golf provides full live coverage across all four days, with streaming accessible via the Sky Go app and Now TV. In Australia, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports carry PGA Tour coverage, while viewers across Europe can watch through Viaplay or local Sky Sports affiliates depending on the territory.
History and Records
The tournament traces its origins to 1938, when it was first held as the Crescent City Open, with Englishman Harry Cooper winning the inaugural edition. It has been played annually since 1958 under various sponsors and names, with a roll call of champions that includes Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, Billy Casper, Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, Davis Love III, and Vijay Singh. The team format was introduced in 2017, making it the first team event on the PGA Tour since 1981. Cameron Smith and Jonas Blixt won the first team edition in a playoff. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry claimed the 2024 title, while Griffin and Novak’s 2025 victory marked the first Tour win for both players. No team has successfully defended the title since the format change.
Tickets and Attendance
Daily grounds tickets for the 2026 Zurich Classic start from approximately $45, with weekend rounds priced higher. Hospitality and upgraded viewing packages are available through the official tournament website. Children aged 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. All tickets are mobile entry only for 2026. Secondary market prices vary, with Sunday final-round tickets averaging around $150. Tickets can be purchased through the official Zurich Classic website at zurichgolfclassic.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Zurich Classic of New Orleans start?
The 2026 Zurich Classic begins on Thursday 23 April, with first tee times from approximately 8:00 AM CT. Tournament week activities start on Monday 20 April.
Where is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans being held?
The event takes place at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana, located just southwest of New Orleans.
How can I watch the Zurich Classic of New Orleans?
In the US, coverage is split between Golf Channel (early rounds), CBS (weekends), and ESPN+ for streaming. In the UK, Sky Sports Golf broadcasts all four rounds live.
Who won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans last year?
Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak won the 2025 Zurich Classic at 28-under par, one stroke ahead of Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard.