The PGA Tour has confirmed a significant extension with Zurich Insurance, locking in the company as the title sponsor for its exclusive two-man team event, the Zurich Classic, through 2030. The announcement, made just ahead of Thursday’s first round, ties the sponsorship to the remaining term of the PGA Tour’s television broadcast deals. Zurich’s relationship with the Zurich Classic goes back to 2005, when the tournament first moved to TPC Louisiana. This was just months before Hurricane Katrina hit, forever altering the region.
Over the years, Zurich has supported New Orleans’ recovery, not just through sponsorship, but through dedicated charitable efforts. “We’ve been part of New Orleans’ recovery since the storm, and our connection to this resilient city runs deep,” said Kristof Terryn, Zurich’s CEO of North America. “The Zurich Classic of New Orleans has supported that resilience over the past two decades.” The company’s continued commitment is clear, and it strengthens both the event and the city’s ties.
Since its shift to a team format in 2017, the Zurich Classic has become the PGA Tour’s only event where players compete in pairs for FedEx Cup points. As the tournament enters its eighth year as a team event, it remains a highlight for fans and players alike, offering a rare chance to partner with family or friends.
A major highlight of this year’s Zurich Classic is the return of defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. The dynamic duo, who have become close friends, will be aiming to defend their title. For McIlroy, this marks his first appearance since his victory at the Masters in April, where he completed his career Grand Slam. McIlroy’s return is generating buzz, with many excited to see if the Northern Irish golfer can carry his momentum from Augusta into the team event.
“The Zurich Classic lets players compete alongside family and friends,” said Terryn, emphasizing the special nature of the event, where professional golfers team up with loved ones to compete. This year’s field is filled with excitement, not only for McIlroy and Lowry’s return, but also for the strong pairings throughout. McIlroy, fresh off his Masters victory, is making his return to action in New Orleans. Alongside him, Lowry will be aiming to defend their title.
Also competing are former U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, teaming up with his brother Alex, and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, who is playing with Camilo Villegas. The event offers a total purse of $9.2 million, with each member of the winning team taking home $1.66 million. The victorious duo will also earn 400 FedEx Cup points, although there are no world ranking points on offer for this unique event.
Beyond the competition, the Zurich Classic has had a lasting impact on the community. Since Zurich became the title sponsor, the event has raised over $30 million for local charities. With its focus on both golf and giving back, the Zurich Classic continues to be a beacon of support for New Orleans.
The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans stands out as the only official team event on the PGA Tour, with the latest installment of the season taking place again at TPC Louisiana. An annual gathering that offers a welcome twist and change of atmosphere from usual tournament play, the 80 two-man teams play two alternating rounds of fourballs and foursomes. Since its inception, the event has been a fan favorite, providing a different vibe from the drama at Augusta National a fortnight prior.
The 2025 Masters champion, Rory McIlroy, is amongst the entries for this weekend’s event in New Orleans as he teams up again with Shane Lowry as defending champions, having won the event in 2024. The festive atmosphere in the ‘Big Easy’, combined with the strategic and scenic TPC Louisiana course, makes it one of the most entertaining stops of the PGA Tour season.
The team element of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans will provide a different spectacle, but what other crazy facts make this much-loved event tick? In 2017, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans announced the event would be reintroducing team play to the PGA Tour calendar for the first time since 1981. Having been an individual strokeplay tournament for many decades, the rejuvenation of the event has transformed its recognition, viewership, and brought a real buzz over the past eight seasons.
Victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans includes 400 FedEx Cup points, a two-year PGA Tour exemption, and direct entry into the PGA Championship – not a bad incentive. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry's winning partnership last season spawned from a celebratory ‘drunken lunch’ following the Ryder Cup. It was a match made in heaven with the two friends teaming up and translating their proven chemistry to the golf course, culminating in a tense playoff victory.
Sibling pairings have been a regular feature in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, adding a precious opportunity for families to compete together as opposed to being rivals. There are three sibling pairings in the field of 160 this weekend, with Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard, Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick, as well as Yannik and Jeremy Paul teeing it up in the name of brotherhood. Family pairings bring yet more warmth to the event, which brings smiles through the 72 holes to patrons and TV viewers alike.
TPC Louisiana is situated below sea level, presenting a series of logistical challenges in preserving the famous course and its drainage. The iconic PGA Tour course designer, Pete Dye, created the course with significant recent renovations to address the growing flooding concerns. Improved drainage and raised fairways have allowed the event to roar year on year with the course maintaining its quality despite the constant geographical challenges it faces.
As the excitement builds for this year’s Zurich Classic, fans are eager to see if McIlroy and Lowry can successfully defend their title while also witnessing emerging talents shine in the unique team format. With the commitment from Zurich Insurance and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling moments on and off the course.
