The PGA Tour's unique team format returns this week as the Zurich Classic of New Orleans tees off at TPC Louisiana. While the defending champion duo of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry enter as betting favorites, several underdog teams offer intriguing value for golf enthusiasts looking beyond the obvious contenders.
The Canadian pairing of Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin (+4000) merits serious consideration as they compete together at this event for the third straight year. Their track record speaks volumes—a runner-up finish and a top-10 showing in their previous appearances. Though Hadwin's recent form has been inconsistent, Taylor has been playing solid golf, and their familiarity with both the course and the team format gives them a distinct advantage. Both golfers excel in critical areas, performing above the PGA Tour average in birdie-or-better percentage and short-range putting.
Another compelling option at the same price point is the international duo of Garrick Higgo and Ryan Fox (+4000). This partnership produced a T4 finish in last year's event, demonstrating their chemistry on this course. Higgo brings momentum after claiming victory at the Corales Puntacana Championship last week, while Fox, though still seeking his first PGA Tour win, has proven himself with four DP World Tour titles and maintains strong statistical rankings in adjusted scoring and birdie average.
According to Statbet analysis, team chemistry and previous experience together at the Zurich Classic have historically been strong indicators of success in this unique format, making these recurring partnerships particularly noteworthy.
For those seeking a true longshot with potential for a stunning upset, Nick Watney and Charley Hoffman (+30000) represent an experienced partnership making their eighth appearance together in this event. Despite the astronomical odds against them, this duo has made the weekend in six of their previous seven attempts, with five top-20 finishes including T19 and T11 results over the past two years. While Watney's current form raises questions—he missed the cut at Puntacana and failed to earn his PGA Tour card this fall—their consistent performance at TPC Louisiana suggests they know how to navigate this course as a team.
The Zurich Classic's team format has produced surprising winners before, most notably just two years ago, making it one of the more unpredictable events on the PGA Tour calendar. These underdog teams, particularly those with established chemistry and course history, could provide excellent value for those looking beyond the headliners in New Orleans this weekend.
