Tour Stop: Zurich & Chevron

2024 Zurich Classic Champs, Rory and Shane.

Zurich Classic of New Orleans 

The Tour moves to TPC Louisiana in New Orleans this week for the team event, the Zurich Classic. Returning to defend his title is Masters Champion Rory McIlroy. He will again pair up with long-time friend Shane Lowry as they look to go back-to-back. Hopefully we see a relaxed Rory having a lot of fun out there.

The Zurich Classic is fun opportunity to see which players team and test their friendship, making for some entertaining pairs to keep an eye on. This week, the two Stanford grads and roommates, Karl Vilips and Michael Thorbjornsen, will be great fun to watch. Vilips has already secured his first win on Tour, coming at the Puerto Rico Open earlier this year, whereas Thorbjornsen has struggled to crack the top 30 after nine starts. The fiery pair could either go really low or it could go very badly.

I will be keeping my eye on Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak. I don't think they'll be fun to watch but I think they will win. The two have been close to winning on Tour this year, with Griffin having two Top 5s and Novak having three. Novak came agonisingly close last week at the RBC Heritage, losing to Justin Thomas in a playoff. Now that they are paired up, surely they can help one another out.

The Teams Picks of the Week:

Ed - Win: Andrew Novak / Ben Griffin 22/1

Top 10: Erik van Rooyen / Christian Bezuidenhout 6/1

Oli - Win: Victor Perez / Mattieu Pavon 71/1

Top 10: Harry Higgs / Joel Dahmen 11/2 

Gwi - Win: Rory / Shane 1/2

Top 10: Fitzy Brothers 4/1

Ben - Win: Rory & Shane 3/1

Top 10: Paul & Paul 11/2

2024 Chevron Champ, Nelly Korda

Chevron Championship 

The LPGA finds itself at their first of five majors of the year, The Chevron Championship at The Club at Carlton Woods. The Jack Nicklaus design, which opened in 2001, is a long, demanding tree lined course featuring multiple water hazards and undulating greens. The course hosted the US Junior Amatuer in 2014, won by Will Zalatoris, so it is no walk through. It has also had its fair treatment of wet weather over the last few days, so the big hitters will be excited.

The Chevron has a great tradition which started back when the event was held at Palm Springs. In 1988, winner Amy Alcott jumped into the pond on the 18th hole to celebrate her victory. The tradition has continued to this day as we saw last year Nelly Korda diving in with her team. Nelly will be looking to defend her title, and get her first win on Tour for 2025. 

Ed - Win: Lauren Coughlin 26/1

Top 10: A Lim Kim 4/1

Coughlin is starting to find her mojo with two Top 5s in her last two starts, continuing her great form from last season where she won twice. She was tied for third place last year at The Chevron.

Kim has been in the top 10 the last two years at The Chevron, and has already won on Tour this year at the Tournament of Champions. She has not placed worse than T-17 this season, lets hope her consistency continues.

Oli - Win: Charley Hull 26/1

Top 10: Georgia Hall 15/1

Charley is a golfer that hunts the limelight. First major of the year, coming off some good rounds and ultimately has game that matches The Woodlands.

Georgia Hall is the outside chance at something here. She isn't expected to go and play lights out golf, but we all know she has it in her. Killer short game and a whole lot of experience to suit.

Gwi - Win: Charley Hull 26/1

Top 10: Linn Grant 6/1

Ben - Win: Nelly Korda 9/1

Top 10: Hannah Green 10/3