Your First Guide to Betting the Zurich Classic of New Orleans

If you have never bet a golf tournament before, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans is actually a fantastic place to start. It runs April 23-26, 2026 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana, and it is unlike any other event on the PGA Tour calendar. Instead of 156 individuals grinding it out over four rounds, the Zurich Classic pairs players up as two-man teams — making every hole a shared effort, and every betting decision a little more interesting.

Why This Tournament Is Different

The format is the key to understanding how to bet the Zurich Classic. Two different styles of team play alternate throughout the week. In Rounds 1 and 3, teams play 4-ball, which is also called best ball — both players hit their own ball on every hole, and the team records whichever score is lower. This format tends to produce low scores because it gives each player a safety net. In Rounds 2 and 4, teams switch to foursomes, also called alternate shot, where the two players share one ball and take turns hitting it. That format rewards trust, chemistry, and consistency under pressure.

After 36 holes, the top 33 teams plus ties make the cut and advance to the weekend. The course itself is a Pete Dye design stretching 7,425 yards at par 72. It features reachable par 5s, several short par 4s that create birdie opportunities, and all par 3s measuring over 200 yards. In short, it rewards length and accuracy in equal measure.

Who to Watch This Week

Defending champions Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak return to defend the title they won in 2025, and they are listed at +1800 on FanDuel. Griffin and Novak know this course, which counts for something at a venue where chemistry between partners is crucial.

The hottest name coming in is Matt Fitzpatrick, who just won the RBC Heritage last week by beating Scottie Scheffler in a playoff. He teams up with his brother Alex Fitzpatrick this week, and the family chemistry has people excited. The Fitzpatrick brothers are co-favorites alongside their rivals at +1000.

Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry make for a compelling pairing at +1200. Lowry actually won the Zurich Classic in 2024 alongside Rory McIlroy, so he knows how to win here. Koepka brings elite iron play and a big-game mentality. That combination makes them a legitimate threat on a course that rewards consistent ball-striking.

The Best Bets for Beginners

When you are just getting into golf betting, outrights — picking a team to win the tournament — are the simplest way to get involved. But you do not have to bet favorites. That is where the fun really starts.

Aaron Rai and Sahith Theegala at +2000 represent strong value. Models have them projecting as a top-three finish based on their individual ball-striking numbers and course fit. At 20-to-1, you are getting a meaningful payout if they run hot over the weekend.

Michael Thorbjornsen and Karl Vilips at +1600 are another smart target. Both are former Stanford teammates, which means they already have the communication and trust that foursomes rounds demand. They finished T4 here in 2025, which is hard-course experience you cannot buy. Their ball-striking profiles also fit TPC Louisiana well.

If you want lower-risk bets with better odds of cashing, top-20 finishes are a beginner-friendly option. Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat can be backed at around +100 for a top-20 result, while the pairing of Smalley and Springer offers similar value at roughly +120.

One Thing to Keep an Eye On

Weather could play a significant role this week. Thursday is expected to be warm and sunny — ideal scoring conditions. But scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, which could lead to suspended play or tougher scoring rounds. When weather interrupts tournaments, teams that can manage their games in difficult conditions tend to have an edge. Keep that in mind before locking in any live bets during the tournament.

If you are based in Louisiana, you already know the sports betting scene here is active — Louisiana sports betting options give you plenty of ways to get in on the action right at home. The Zurich Classic is a local event, and betting on it from your home state makes it feel that much more personal. Whether you are backing the favorites or hunting for value, this is a great tournament to learn how golf betting works.