Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Team format: foursomes (alternate shot) and four ball explained

The tournament has been held annually since 1958. Zurich Insurance Group has been the primary sponsor, and the event is organized by the Fore!Kids Foundation. aditionally, the Zurich Classic was an individual stroke-play event. However, in 2017, it underwent a major format change, becoming a team event.

Zurich Classic format explained:

The field consists of 80 teams, each comprising two players. These teams compete throughout the tournament.

Round Formats:

First and Third Rounds (Thursday and Saturday): In four-ball, both players on a team play their own ball from tee to hole. The team’s score for each hole is the lower score of the two players.

Second and Final Rounds (Friday and Sunday): In alternate shot, teammates take turns hitting the same ball. One player tees off on odd-numbered holes, and the other on even-numbered holes. They alternate shots until the ball is holed.

Cut and Playoff: After the first two rounds, there is a cut to the top 33 teams and ties. if there’s a tie after 72 holes, a sudden-death playoff occurs.

The first playoff hole is alternate shot. The second playoff hole is four-ball. The rotation continues until a winner is determined. The Zurich Classic’s team format adds excitement and challenges, emphasizing trust and teamwork