World’s #9 ranked player will pair with fellow club member Marc Turnesa

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 20, 2018)—Current U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka, who has not played a competitive round since January due to a wrist injury, will return to the PGA TOUR at the 2018 Zurich Classic, announced Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the tournament.

Koepka will partner with Marc Turnesa, who has won once on the PGA TOUR and for the last several years has played mostly on the Web.com Tour. Both Koepka and Turnesa are members of Medalist Golf Club in Hob Sound, FL.

“The addition of Brooks really puts the icing on the cake for our field,” said Worthy.  “That gives our field the current holders of all four major titles and 10 of the top 14 in the world,” Worthy added.

Koepka enjoyed his most successful year on TOUR in 2017, winning the U.S. Open by four strokes at Erin Hill. He also posted top-15 finishes at the Masters (tied for 11^th); the Open Championship (tied for sixth) and the PGA Championship (tied for 13^th). He ended the season with a sixth at the TOUR Championship to finish 10^th in FedExCup points and eighth in money winnings.

He started the 2017-18 season successfully with a tie for second in the WGC-HSBC Champions before a wrist injury sidelined him since January.

Playing with his brother Chase in the Zurich Classic’s inaugural team format last year, he finished tied for fifth. He also tied for 21^st  in the 2014 Zurich Classic, playing as a non-member on the PGA TOUR.

He made the 2016 Ryder Cup, where we posted a 3-1 record, and the 2017 Presidents Cup, when he went 2-2, to help the U.S. teams win both titles.

Koepka played collegiately for Florida State, where he was a four-time All-American. He took an unusual path to the PGA TOUR, playing his first year as a pro fulltime in Europe, where he won three times on the Challenge Tour to earn an immediate promotion to the European Tour.

In 2014, he played both the European Tour and a limited schedule on the PGA TOUR, where he earned enough non-member FedExCup points to earn his TOUR card for 2014-15.  In 2015, his first full year on the TOUR, he enjoyed a breakout season with a win at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and seven other top-10 finishes.

Koepka’s teammate Turnesa won the 2008 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children’s Open.

Turnesa comes from a deep and successful golf family. His great-uncle Jim was the 1952 PGA Championship and his grandfather Mike was a six-time winner on the PGA TOUR, with a second-place finish to Ben Hogan in the 1948 PGA Championship. Mike was one of seven brothers, six of whom played on the PGA TOUR. One of those, Joe, was a 15-time PGA TOUR winner. The only brother who didn’t turn professional was Willie, the 1938 and 1948 U.S. Amateur champion and 1947 British Amateur winner.

Koepka’s entry to the 2018 Zurich Classic gives the tournament six players ranked in the top 10 in the world: FedExCup leader Justin Thomas (2), Jordan Spieth (3), Jon Rahm (4) and Justin Rose (5), Koepka  (9) and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia (10).

Following close behind them are 2018 Masters winner Patrick Reed (11), Tommy Fleetwood (12), Jason Day (13) and Henrik Stenson (14) for a total of 10 players in the top 14.

In addition, the field includes Bubba Watson (18), Matt Kuchar (21), Pat Perez (22), Kevin Kisner (24), Rafael Cabrera Bello (25), Charley Hoffman (26), Ian Poulter (29) and Louis Oosthuizen (30) for a total of 15 players ranked among the top 25 and 18 in the top 30. Also playing this year are Jim Furyk, the 2018 U.S. Ryder Cup captain, and Steve Stricker, the 2017 U.S. Presidents Cup captain.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR season.  This year’s 72-hole stroke team play format will feature Four-Ball (best ball) during the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams. Following the conclusion of the second round, the field will be cut to the low 35 teams and ties. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using Foursomes (alternate shot) for the first extra hole and Four-ball (best ball) for the second extra hole and alternate each hole thereafter.

About Fore!Kids Foundation:

 Since 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised money to fund children’s service organizations through golf events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Taste of the Tournament gala and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise more than $34 million to date for children’s charities in metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge. More information at www.forekidsfoundation.com.

About the Zurich Classic of New Orleans:

Televised in more than 224 countries and territories, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans generates a significant economic impact on the city of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana. Independent research has shown that the tournament generates spending of more than $40 million within the local economy and garners $33 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state throughout the year beyond the four days of competition.

The tournament will be played April 23-29, 2018 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. Purse for 2018 totals $7.2 million, with each member of the winning team earning $1,036,800.

Single-day grounds tickets are only $35 and weekly passes are $85. Single day tickets for the two most popular hospitality venues on the PGA TOUR start at $85 for Acme Oyster House and $185 for The Champions Club.  Other choices of suite and specialty venue options are available by calling the Tournament Office at 504-342-3000 or online at www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

 

 Former PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker pairs with Sean O’Hair and fan favorite John Daly teams with Rory Sabbatini in late entries

 NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 18, 2018)—With four of the top five players and nine of the top 14 in the world entered in the 2018 Zurich Classic, tournament director Steve Worthy judges this year’s field to be at least as good as last year’s—maybe even better.

“Overall, we are extremely pleased with the quality of our field this year, validating that the players have really embraced our team format,” said Worthy.  “And this year, we add walkup music on Saturday and Sunday to further increase fan interest and get our players even more involved in the tournament,” Worthy added.

Worthy also announced two more late team entries: former PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker with Sean O’Hair and fan favorite John Daly paired with South African veteran Rory Sabbatini.

“Jimmy was forced to withdraw from last year’s tournament at the last minute when he was diagnosed with Lyme’s disease, so we are grateful his health has returned and he can play with Sean O’Hair this year,” said Worthy.

“John always attracts large galleries wherever he plays, and Rory has had a long successful career, so they will be a popular addition to our field,” Worthy added.

Highlighting the field are four players ranked in the top five in the world: FedExCup leader Justin Thomas (2), Jordan Spieth (3), Jon Rahm (4) and Justin Rose (5).

Following close behind them are 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia (10), 2018 Masters winner Patrick Reed (11), Tommy Fleetwood (12), Jason Day (13) and Henrik Stenson (14) for a total of nine of the top 14.

In addition, the field includes Bubba Watson (18), Matt Kuchar (21), Pat Perez (22), Kevin Kisner (24), Rafael Cabrera Bello (25), Charley Hoffman (26), Ian Poulter (29) and Louis Oosthuizen (30) for a total of 14 players ranked among the top 25 and 17 in the top 30. Also playing this year is Jim Furyk, the 2018 U.S. Ryder Cup captain.

A six-time winner on the PGA TOUR, Walker tied the 36-hole scoring record at the 2016 PGA Championship, which he won by a single stroke over defending champion Jason Day. Walker finished in the top ten in money winnings on TOUR three consecutive years from 2014-16 and made the FedExCup Playoffs last year for the eighth consecutive time, despite his health issues.

His best finish this season was a tie for eighth in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.  He last played the Zurich Classic in 2013, when he finished eighth.

Walker is a veteran of team play, earning a spot on the 2015 Presidents Cup, the 2016 World Cup and the last two Ryder Cup teams.

Walker’s partner Sean O’Hair is a four-time winner of the PGA TOUR and advanced to last season’s FedExCup Playoffs for the ninth time in his career. He earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2005.

His best finish this season was a tie for seventh at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He tied for 12^th in the 2015 Zurich Classic and recorded two other top-15 finishes in the tournament. He was a member of the 2009 Presidents Cup team.

Daly now plays on the Champions Tour and will be making his first PGA TOUR start this year at the Zurich Classic with Sabbatini. Daly won five titles on the PGA TOUR, two of which were majors—the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 Open Championship.

He posted his first victory on the Champions Tour in his first full season last year, winning the Insperity Invitational.

Sabbatini has won six PGA TOUR titles in his career and tied for fifth in this season’s Valspar Championship. He has also posted three other top-25 finishes this season.

His best finish at the Zurich Classic was a tie for second in 2009.

The veteran from South Africa has played on six World Cup teams and one Presidents Cup team. He was a three-time All-American and NCAA individual runner-up at the University of Arizona, where he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR season.  This year’s 72-hole stroke team play format will feature Four-Ball (best ball) during the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams. Following the conclusion of the second round, the field will be cut to the low 35 teams and ties. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using Foursomes (alternate shot) for the first extra hole and Four-ball (best ball) for the second extra hole and alternate each hole thereafter.

About Fore!Kids Foundation:

Since 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised money to fund children’s service organizations through golf events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Taste of the Tournament gala and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise more than $34 million to date for children’s charities in metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge. More information at www.forekidsfoundation.com.

About the Zurich Classic of New Orleans:

Televised in more than 224 countries and territories, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans generates a significant economic impact on the city of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana. Independent research has shown that the tournament generates spending of more than $40 million within the local economy and garners $33 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state throughout the year beyond the four days of competition.

The tournament will be played April 23-29, 2018 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. Purse for 2018 totals $7.2 million, with each member of the winning team earning $1,036,800.

Single-day grounds tickets are only $35 and weekly passes are $85. Single day tickets for the two most popular hospitality venues on the PGA TOUR start at $85 for Acme Oyster House and $185 for The Champions Club.  Other choices of suite and specialty venue options are available by calling the Tournament Office at 504-342-3000 or online at www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

 

Harrington teams with fellow Irishman Shane Lowry and Jason Dufner pairs with Pat Perez, ranked 22^nd in the world

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 17, 2018)—Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington will team with fellow Irish golfer Shane Lowry in the 2018 Zurich Classic, announced Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the tournament.

Jason Dufner, who won his first PGA TOUR title at the 2012 Zurich Classic and went on to win the 2013 PGA Championship, has teamed with Pat Perez for this year’s tournament, Worthy reported.

“Padraig and Shane add great international flavor, so we are pleased they are attracted to the unique team format of our event,” said Worthy. “And we are always glad to welcome back former champion Jason Dufner, who finished tied for fifth in last year’s tournament,” added Worthy.

Harrington won the 2007 Open Championship, then came back the next year to win both the 2008 Open Championship and the PGA Championship. He also finished tied for fourth in the 2008 Zurich Classic and finished that season eighth in money winnings.

He has won a total of six PGA TOUR titles and 20 international tournaments in his career.

Harrington has established a reputation as one of Europe’s most active team players. He has earned a place on the European Ryder Cup team six times and on the World Cup 11 times consecutively from 1996 through 2006. He also played in four Seve Cup competitions and four Dunhill Cup contests. He represented Ireland in the 2016 Olympics. As an amateur, he played on the winning Walker Cup team against the U.S. in 1985.

He is currently playing the PGA TOUR on a medical exemption after an elbow injury cut short his 2017 season.

His best finishes in the Zurich Classic were a tie for fourth in 2008 and a tie for ninth in 2005.

Harrington’s teammate Shane Lowry started playing a full schedule on the PGA TOUR just three years ago. He won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in 2015 and has claimed  two European Tour titles.

Lowry’s best finish this season was a tie for 4^th in the Houston Open. He tied for second in the 2016 U.S. Open and tied for ninth in the 2014 Open Championship.

He has played in two World Cups and one Eurasia Cup. Before turning professional, he won the Irish Amateur Closed Championship and was a member of the winning Irish team in the European Amateur Team Championship in 2007 and 2008.

Dufner has won five times on the PGA TOUR, starting with his 2012 victory in the Zurich Classic. His win here launched him on a torrid streak when he won the Byron Nelson Championship in the next tournament he played, then second in the Crowne Plaza Invitational the following week and a tie for fourth in the U.S. Open the next month.  He went on to post four more top-10 finishes that season to place fourth on the money list in 2012.

He won the PGA Championship the next year in 2013. This season, he has posted three top-20 finishes.

He played on the 2013 Presidents Cup team and the 2012 Ryder Cup team.

Perez has won three PGA TOUR titles, including this year’s CIMB Classic. He currently ranks 22^nd in the world on the strength of a tie for fourth in the Sentry Tournament of Champions and a tie for fifth in the CJ Cup Nine Bridges to go with his victory at the CIMB Classic.

He came back strong in 2017 from an injury the year before to post a victory at the OHL Classic and earned his first start in the TOUR Championship, when he finished 16^th.

He was a member of Arizona State’s 1996 NCAA Championship team and won the 1993 Junior World title over Tiger Woods, who finished fourth.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR season.  This year’s 72-hole stroke team play format will feature Four-Ball (best ball) during the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams. Following the conclusion of the second round, the field will be cut to the low 35 teams and ties. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using Foursomes (alternate shot) for the first extra hole and Four-ball (best ball) for the second extra hole and alternate each hole thereafter.

Already committed to the tournament are: new Masters champion Patrick Reed; FedExCup leader Justin Thomas, ranked second in the world; Jon Rahm, ranked fourth in the world; Sergio Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion;  Bubba Watson, who has won twice this season and will be paired with 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Matt Kuchar; 2016 Olympic gold and silver winners Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson playing as a team again and U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk.

About Fore!Kids Foundation:

Since 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised money to fund children’s service organizations through golf events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Taste of the Tournament gala and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise more than $34 million to date for children’s charities in metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge. More information at www.forekidsfoundation.com.

About the Zurich Classic of New Orleans:

Televised in more than 224 countries and territories, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans generates a significant economic impact on the city of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana. Independent research has shown that the tournament generates spending of more than $40 million within the local economy and garners $33 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state throughout the year beyond the four days of competition.

The tournament will be played April 23-29, 2018 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. Purse for 2018 totals $7.2 million, with each member of the winning team earning $1,036,800.

Single-day grounds tickets are only $35 and weekly passes are $85. Single day tickets for the two most popular hospitality venues on the PGA TOUR start at $85 for Acme Oyster House and $185 for The Champions Club.  Other choices of suite and specialty venue options are available by calling the Tournament Office at 504-342-3000 or online at www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

Pair finished fourth in last year’s event, first to feature team format

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 13, 2018)—Jordan Spieth, ranked third in the world, will partner again with Ryan Palmer in this year’s Zurich Classic, announced Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the tournament.

“We welcome Jordan and Ryan back to our tournament,” said Worthy. “They placed fourth here last year and attracted huge galleries throughout the course,” Worthy added.

Spieth is coming to New Orleans after a third-place finish at the Masters, where he matched the all-time fourth round low score of 64.

Spieth has won 11 times on the PGA TOUR and twice in Australia.  His titles include the 2015 Masters and U.S. Open, the 2017 Open Championship and the 2015 TOUR Championship.

This season, in addition to his third place at the Masters, he also placed third in the Houston Open and ninth in the Sentry Tournament of Champions and the Genesis Open.

He has won the Australian Open twice, joining champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Greg Norman as multiple winners of that tournament. In 2015, he won the Valspar Championship, the Masters, the U.S. Open and the TOUR Championship to become ranked number one in the world. He held his top ranking for a total of 26 weeks. He has ranked in the top 10 in the world every week since the end of 2014, his second full season on the PGA TOUR.

Spieth has played on the last two Ryder Cup teams and the last three Presidents Cup squads and was a member of the Walker Cup team in 2011 when he was a freshman at University of Texas.

He is the only golfer besides Tiger Woods to win the U.S. Junior Amateur twice. While in high school at Jesuit Dallas, he won the Texas Class 5A state championship three times from 2009-11. He went on to play for the University of Texas, where he helped his team win the 2011 NCAA championship. He was named All-American, Big 12 Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year that season.

His playing partner Palmer is a fellow Texan who has won three times on the PGA TOUR, most recently at the 2010 Sony Open in Hawaii. He finished tied for fourth in the 2012 Zurich Classic when his third round score of 64 tied the course record at TPC Louisiana.

This season he lost in a three-way playoff to Jason Day in the Farmer Insurance Open.

He advanced to the FedExCup Playoffs in 2016 for the ninth time in 10 seasons. He just barely missed qualifying for the TOUR Championship that year, finishing 34^th after posting a tie for fourth in the BMW Championship the week before.

He missed the fall portion of last season while his wife Jennifer was treated for breast cancer.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR season.  This year’s 72-hole stroke team play format will feature Four-Ball (best ball) during the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams. Following the conclusion of the second round, the field will be cut to the low 35 teams and ties. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using Foursomes (alternate shot) for the first extra hole and Four-ball (best ball) for the second extra hole and alternate each hole thereafter.

Already committed to the tournament are: new Masters champion Patrick Reed; FedExCup leader Justin Thomas, ranked second in the world; Jon Rahm, ranked fourth in the world; Sergio Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion;  Bubba Watson, who has won twice this season and will be paired with 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Matt Kuchar; 2016 Olympic gold and silver winners Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson playing as a team again and U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk.

About Fore!Kids Foundation:

 Since 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised money to fund children’s service organizations through golf events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Taste of the Tournament gala and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise more than $34 million to date for children’s charities in metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge. More information at www.forekidsfoundation.com.

About the Zurich Classic of New Orleans:

Televised in more than 224 countries and territories, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans generates a significant economic impact on the city of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana. Independent research has shown that the tournament generates spending of more than $40 million within the local economy and garners $33 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state throughout the year beyond the four days of competition.

The tournament will be played April 23-29, 2018 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. Purse for 2018 totals $7.2 million, with each member of the winning team earning $1,036,800.

Single-day grounds tickets are only $35 and weekly passes are $85. Single day tickets for the two most popular hospitality venues on the PGA TOUR start at $85 for Acme Oyster House and $185 for The Champions Club.  Other choices of suite and specialty venue options are available by calling the Tournament Office at 504-342-3000 or online at www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

Brandt Snedeker and J.B. Holmes also form team

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 12, 2018)—Kevin Kisner, who holed a 95-foot chip in the dark to force a Monday playoff last year, will team again with fellow Aiken, SC resident Scott Brown in the 2018 Zurich Classic, announced Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the tournament.

Brandt Snedeker has also paired with J.B. Holmes in this year’s tournament, the only regular season event featuring a team format, Worthy announced.

“Kevin and Scott almost took the title last year, and are pairing up again in search of victory this year,” said Worthy. “And we are pleased that Brandt Snedeker is making his first appearance in the Zurich Classic since 2011, teaming up with J.B Holmes, who finished tied for fifth here last year,” added Worthy.

Kisner moved on from his team’s four-hole playoff loss on Monday at the Zurich Classic to win the Dean & Deluca Invitational a month later.

He is ranked 25^th in the world following the best year of his career in 2017 that included two seconds and a third to go along with his victory, which was his second on the PGA TOUR. He advanced to the TOUR Championship for the third consecutive season and tied for third in the season-ending tournament.

He then closed out the year with a 2-0-2 record in the Presidents Cup, helping the U.S. team to a decisive 19-11 victory.

This season he made the finals of the WGC—Dell Match Play, losing to Bubba Watson in the championship match. He also tied for fourth in the RSM Classic.

As an amateur he became the first player in University of Georgia history to be named All-American four times and led the Bulldogs to the 2005 NCAA championship.

Kisner’s playing partner Scott Brown owns one PGA TOUR title in his career that started in 2012 on the TOUR.

So far this season, he has posted a  tie for fifth in the CJ Cup Nine Bridges, when he entered the final round tied for the lead with eventual winner Justin Thomas. He also posted a tie for sixth in the OHL Classic at Mayakoba earlier this season.

He was a two-time Division II All-American and the Division II Jack Nicklaus Award winner for college player of the year at the University of South Carolina-Aiken. He led the USC-Aiken Pacers to three consecutive NCAA Division II national championships from 2004-2006.

Snedeker has won eight times on the PGA TOUR, including the 2012 TOUR Championship and twice at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. His season was shortened last year because of a rib injury. Despite the injury, he still qualified for the FedExCup playoffs for the 11^th consecutive year.

He was voted the 2007 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year and became only the 15^th rookie to qualify for the TOUR Championship. He has accumulated an outstanding record at the U.S. Open with five top 10 finishes in 11 starts.

He has played on one Presidents Cup team and two Ryder Cup squads, plus earning a spot in the 2008 World Cup.

Before he turned pro, he won the 2003 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. He was named an All-American while playing for Vanderbilt, the first Commodore to ever earn the honor. He represented the United States in the 2002 USA vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Championship, going 3-0 to lead U.S. to a 31-29 victory

Holmes has four PGA TOUR victories in his career. He won his first tournament, the Waste Management Open, in his rookie season.

His best finish this season was a fourth in the Farmers Insurance Open.

He has made two Ryder Cup teams and one President Cup squad. He also made the 2005 winning Walker Cup team.

Holmes was named 2005 SEC Player of the Year and was a member of the winning Palmer Cup team that year. He led he University of Kentucky golf team to its first SEC championship. He made All-American three times at Kentucky and was named Academic All-American in 2004-05.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR season.  This year’s 72-hole stroke team play format will feature Four-Ball (best ball) during the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams. Following the conclusion of the second round, the field will be cut to the low 35 teams and ties. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using Foursomes (alternate shot) for the first extra hole and Four-ball (best ball) for the second extra hole and alternate each hole thereafter.

Already committed to the tournament are: new Masters champion Patrick Reed; FedExCup leader Justin Thomas, ranked second in the world; Jon Rahm, ranked fourth in the world; Sergio Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion;  Bubba Watson, who has won twice this season and will be paired with 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Matt Kuchar; 2016 Olympic gold and silver winners Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson playing as a team again and U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk.

 

Stricker will play with 2009 champion Jerry Kelly and Hoffman will team with 2007 winner Nick Watney

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 10, 2018)—Steve Stricker, captain of the victorious 2017 U.S. Presidents Cup team, and Charley Hoffman, ranked 26^th in the world after his solid finish at the Masters, including an ace on the 16^th hole Sunday, are partnering again with two former Zurich Classic winners to play in the 2018 tournament, announced Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the tournament.

Stricker will partner again with Jerry Kelly, 2009 Zurich Classic champion. Hoffman will team with Nick Watney, winner of the Zurich Classic in 2007.

Hoffman and Watney finished tied for fifth in the 2017 Zurich Classic, and Kelly and Stricker tied for 14^th in last year’s tournament, the first to feature the team format.

Stricker has won 12 times on the PGA TOUR and twice internationally.

This season on the Champions Tour, he has played only three times, but won two of those tournaments and finished second in the third. He currently leads the Champions Tour in money winnings.

In PGA TOUR career that started in 1990, Stricker ranks 11^th all-time with more than $43 million in earnings. At the Zurich Classic, he has finished in the top 10 three times and the top 20 nine times.

Stricker played on five President Cup teams before leading the 2017 team to victory as captain. He has also played on three Ryder Cup teams.

Kelly graduated to the Champions Tour in 2017, the same year as his close friend Stricker. He won the 2017 Rookie of the Year award and already owns three Champions victories to go with his three PGA TOUR titles. He currently ranks second in winnings on the Champions Tour—to Steve Stricker.

Before he left the PGA TOUR fulltime after the 2016 season, he advanced to the FedExCup playoffs ten consecutive years.

Hoffman is currently ranked 26^th in the world. He has won four times on TOUR, most recently in last year’s Valero Texas Open. He finished 12^th in the Masters this year to automatically qualify for next year’s event. He has also posted three other top 20 finishes this season on the PGA TOUR.

He teamed with Billy Horschel for a third-place finish in last year’s Franklin Templeton Shootout and was a member of the 2017 Presidents Cup team captained by Stricker.

Watney has won five times of the PGA TOUR, including his first TOUR victory at the Zurich Classic in 2007.

He played in the 2011 Presidents Cup, the 2009 World Cup and in the collegiate 2002 Palmer Cup.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR season.  This year’s 72-hole stroke team play format will feature Four-Ball (best ball) during the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams. Following the conclusion of the second round, the field will be cut to the low 35 teams and ties. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using Foursomes (alternate shot) for the first extra hole and Four-ball (best ball) for the second extra hole and alternate each hole thereafter.

Already committed to the tournament are: new Masters champion Patrick Reed; FedExCup leader Justin Thomas, ranked second in the world; Jon Rahm, ranked fourth in the world; Sergio Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion;  Bubba Watson, who has won twice this season and will be paired with 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Matt Kuchar; 2016 Olympic gold and silver winners Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson playing as a team again and U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk.

About Fore!Kids Foundation:

 Since 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised money to fund children’s service organizations through golf events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Taste of the Tournament gala and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise more than $34 million to date for children’s charities in metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge. More information at www.forekidsfoundation.com.

About the Zurich Classic of New Orleans:

Televised in more than 224 countries and territories, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans generates a significant economic impact on the city of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana. Independent research has shown that the tournament generates spending of more than $40 million within the local economy and garners $33 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state throughout the year beyond the four days of competition.

The tournament will be played April 23-29, 2018 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. Purse for 2018 totals $7.2 million, with each member of the winning team earning $1,036,800.

Single-day grounds tickets are only $35 and weekly passes are $85. Single day tickets for the two most popular hospitality venues on the PGA TOUR start at $85 for Acme Oyster House and $185 for The Champions Club.  Other choices of suite and specialty venue options are available by calling the Tournament Office at 504-342-3000 or online at www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

Team-selected music will be played for first tee introductions of final two rounds

 NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 10, 2018)—The Zurich Classic of New Orleans, working in conjunction with the PGA TOUR, announced today it will be the first PGA TOUR event to feature walk-up music. Each two-man team will have an opportunity to select their walk-up song to be played on the first tee at TPC Louisiana as they are introduced for the final two rounds of play on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29.

Last year, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans introduced the two-man team format, which features two rounds each of Foursome and Four-Ball competition. The pairing of Cameron Smith and Jonas Blixt won with a birdie on the fourth hole of sudden death against Kevin Kisner and Scott Brown, winning the TOUR’s first official team event since 1981.

“Our fans and the players have enthusiastically embraced our team format,” said Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the Zurich Classic. “This innovation will try to further enhance the concept and the team atmosphere,” Worthy added.

“We are continuously looking for fun and innovative ways for our players to connect with fans,” said Tyler Dennis, Chief of Operations, PGA TOUR. “Zurich and the Fore!Kids Foundation have been great leaders in bringing new elements to the game of golf. Given the team format and the location being New Orleans, I can’t think of a better event to introduce this on the PGA TOUR,” he added.

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR. The 72-hole stroke team play format features Four-Ball (best ball) during the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams. Following the conclusion of the second round, the field will be cut to the low 35 teams and ties. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using Foursomes (alternate shot) for the first extra hole and Four-ball (best ball) for the second extra hole and alternate each hole thereafter.

Already committed to the tournament are: new Masters champion Patrick Reed; FedExCup leader Justin Thomas; Jon Rahm, ranked fourth in the world; Sergio Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion;  Bubba Watson, who has won twice this season and will be  playing with Matt Kuchar;  U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk and 2016 Olympic medalists Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson.

About Fore!Kids Foundation:

Since 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised money to fund children’s service organizations through golf events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Taste of the Tournament gala and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise more than $34 million to date for children’s charities in metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge. More information at www.forekidsfoundation.com.

About Zurich:

Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. With about 53,000 employees, it provides a wide range of property and casualty, and life insurance products and services in more than 210 countries and territories. Zurich’s customers include individuals, small businesses, and mid-sized and large companies, as well as multinational corporations. The Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1872. The holding company, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information about Zurich is available at www.zurich.com.

In North America, Zurich is a leading commercial property-casualty insurance provider serving the global corporate, large corporate, middle market, specialties and programs sectors through the individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company. Life insurance and disability coverage issued in the United States in all states except New York is issued by Zurich American Life Insurance Company, an Illinois domestic life insurance company. In New York, life insurance and disability coverage is issued by Zurich American Life Insurance Company of New York, a New York domestic life insurance company. For more information about the products and services it offers and people Zurich employs around the world go to www.zurichna.com. 2012 marked Zurich’s 100-year anniversary of insuring America and the success of its customers, shareholders and employees.

About the Zurich Classic of New Orleans:

Televised in more than 224 countries and territories, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans generates a significant economic impact on the city of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana. Independent research has shown that the tournament generates spending of more than $40 million within the local economy and garners $33 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state throughout the year beyond the four days of competition.

The tournament will be played April 23-29, 2018 at TPC Louisiana in Westwego. Purse for 2018 totals $7.2 million, with each member of the winning team earning $1,036,800.

Single-day grounds tickets are only $35 and weekly passes are $85. Single day tickets for the two most popular hospitality venues on the PGA TOUR start at $85 for Acme Oyster House and $185 for The Champions Club.  Other choices of suite and specialty venue options are available by calling the Tournament Office at 504-342-3000 or online at www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

Day will team with Ryan Ruffels and Fleetwood will debut with Chris Paisley

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 6, 2018)—Australian Jason Day, who ranked #1 in the world for 51 weeks, and Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, who has climbed to #12 in the world, have formed teams to play in the 2018 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, announced Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the tournament.

Day, currently ranked 11^th worldwide, has paired with Ryan Ruffels, an American who started his golf career in Australia after his parents moved there to work in tennis.

Fleetwood will team with Chris Paisley, who plays mainly on the European Tour and is currently ranked eighth in the Race to Dubai, that circuit’s equivalent of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup. Both Fleetwood and Paisley will make their first starts in the Zurich Classic this year.

“We are always glad to have Jason back to our tournament, and we welcome Tommy Fleetwood in his debut here in New Orleans,” Worthy said. “Both their partners are rising young players who mainly compete internationally, which adds further interest to our fans,” Worthy added.

Day has claimed 11 PGA TOUR titles, including the 2015 PGA Championship. This season he won the 2018 Farmers Insurance Open and finished second in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

His titles include some of the TOUR’s most prestigious: two World Golf Championships, the PLAYERS Championship and two FedExCup playoff tournaments. The two playoff wins came in a stretch at the end of 2015 when he won four tournaments in the space of six weeks.

He has recorded three top 10 finishes in the Masters, including a second in 2011 and a third in 2013. He has also scored in the top 10 five times in the U.S. Open, once in The Open Championship and four times in the PGA Championship, in addition to his win there.

He ranks 15^th in all–time PGA TOUR money winnings with more than $40 million.

Day has played for the International team in the last four Presidents Cup competitions, and played in the 2013 World Cup as well.

He has come close to winning the Zurich Classic twice: he tied for fourth in 2015 and fifth in the rain-shortened 2016 tournament.  Last year  he paired with Rickie Fowler in the initial year of team format at the Zurich Classic.

Day’s teammate Ruffels turned pro at age 17 and currently plays on the Latin American Tour. He teamed with Kyle Stanley to finish tied for 29^th in last year’s Zurich Classic.

Although Ruffels was born in Florida, he grew up playing golf in Australia. He was the 2014 Australian Boys Amateur champion.

Ruffels’ parents, Ray Ruffels and Anna Maria Fernandez, were professional tennis players. His father won 16 doubles titles throughout his career, and he reached the Australian Open singles semifinals three times. With Billy Jean King as his partner, he reached the mixed doubles finals of Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 1978. His mother won five WTA doubles titles.

Fleetwood has won six times internationally and claimed a fourth on the Honda Classic earlier this season on the PGA TOUR. Last season he finished second in the WGC-Mexico Championship and fourth in the U.S. Open.

He has competed all over the world on the European Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Japan Golf Tour, the Southern Africa Tour and the Asian PGA.

As an amateur, he competed in the 2009 Walker Cup, and later as a professional he represented England in the 2013 Seve Trophy.

Paisley is currently ranked eighth on the European Tour. He won the BMW SA Open earlier this season with his wife Kerrie as his caddy. In addition, he claimed two fifth place finishes at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

He competed collegiately at the University of Tennessee. He played in the 2009 Walker Cup, the 2008 St. Andrews Trophy and the 2009 Palmer Cup.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR season.  This year’s 72-hole stroke team play format will feature Four-Ball (best ball) during the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams. Following the conclusion of the second round, the field will be cut to the low 35 teams and ties. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using the Four-Ball format.

Already committed to the tournament are Justin Thomas, ranked second in the world; Jon Rahm, ranked third; Sergio Garcia, the reigning Masters champion;  Bubba Watson, who has won twice this season, playing with Matt Kuchar; Ian Poulter, who in Houston to qualify for the Masters;  U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk; 2016 Olympic medalists Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson and Patrick Reed, known for his intensity in team competition.

About Fore!Kids Foundation:

Since 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised money to fund children’s service organizations through golf events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Taste of the Tournament gala and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise more than $34 million to date for children’s charities in metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge. More information at www.forekidsfoundation.com.

About the Zurich Classic of New Orleans:

Televised in more than 224 countries and territories, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans generates a significant economic impact on the city of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana. Independent research has shown that the tournament generates spending of more than $40 million within the local economy and garners $33 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state throughout the year beyond the four days of competition.

The tournament will be played April 23-29, 2018 at TPC Louisiana in Westwego. Purse for 2018 totals $7.2 million, with each member of the winning team earning $1,036,800.

Former Masters and Open Championship winner Zach Johnson also teams with Jonathan Byrd

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 5, 2018)—Two South African players who have both won major titles are teaming up to play the 2018 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, announced Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the tournament.

Charl Schwartzel, who won the Masters in 2011, and Louis Oosthuizen, who won The Open Championship in 2010, will play together in the 2018 Zurich Classic. They will be joined by Zach Johnson, whose 12 PGA TOUR victories include the 2007 Masters and the 2015 Open Championship. Johnson will team with Jonathan Byrd.

“Charl has never played in our tournament, and Louis played his first time here last season,” said Worthy. “Adding Zach Johnson and Jonathan Byrd gives us two more impressive teams with four major titles among them,” added Worthy.

Oosthuizen’s lone PGA TOUR victory was a big one—the 2010 Open Championship. He also claimed second place finishes in the 2012 Masters, which he lost in a playoff against Bubba Watson; the 2015 Open Championship, when he was in a three-person playoff eventually won by Zach Johnson; and the 2015 U.S. Open, which he missed winning by one stroke after an opening round of 77. He has also posted 12 international victories.

His best finish this season was a tie for ninth in the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, when he advanced out of group play with a one-hole sudden-death playoff against Jason Dufner.

He and Branden Grace tied for 24^th in the 2017 Zurich Classic, the first time either one played the tournament.

Currently ranked 32^nd in the world, he has played in the last three Presidents Cups and in the 2011 World Cup.

Schwartzel, who has never played the Zurich Classic, has placed in the top 25 a total of 70 times in his PGA TOUR career since 2009. In addition to the 2011 Masters title, he won the 2016 Valspar Championship. He has won another 13 tournaments internationally.

His best finish this season was a tie for 28^th in the CJ Cup Nine Bridges tournament.

Schwartzel has played on the last four Presidents Cup teams and the 2011 World Cup team with Oosthuizen.

Johnson has two majors among his 12 PGA TOUR victories to go with 10 seconds, 10 thirds and 77 top 10 finishes. He won the Masters in 2007 and The Open Championship in 2015.

He ranks 12^th in all-time winnings with more than $43 million in his career. His best finish this season was a tie for eighth in the RSM Classic. He last played the Zurich Classic in 2008.

He has played on five Ryder Cup teams, four Presidents Cup squads and one World Cup.

Byrd has won five times on the PGA TOUR, including the 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open which he won with a historic walk-off hole-in-one in the playoff.

He won the Web.com Championship to reclaim his TOUR card this season. His best finish so far this year was a tie for 25^th at the Sony Open in Hawaii. His top finish at the Zurich Classic was a tie for 12^th in 2008.

He was a three-time All-American at Clemson and played on the 1999 Walker Cup team that included Matt Kuchar.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR season.  This year’s 72-hole stroke team play format will feature Four-Ball (best ball) during the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams. Following the conclusion of the second round, the field will be cut to the low 35 teams and ties. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using the Four-Ball format.

Already committed to the tournament are Justin Thomas, ranked second in the world; Jon Rahm, ranked third; Sergio Garcia, the reigning Masters champion;  Bubba Watson, who has won twice this season, playing with Matt Kuchar; Ian Poulter, who won this week to qualify for the Masters;  U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk; 2016 Olympic medalists Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson and Patrick Reed, known for his intensity in team competition.

LSU’s Sam Burns, already a winner on the Web.com Tour, will team with veteran William McGirt

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 3, 2018)—Jon Rahm, who rocketed to #3 in the world after his first full season on the PGA TOUR, has committed to play in his first Zurich Classic, announced Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the tournament.

Rahm will partner with Wesley Bryan, who also won a title in his first fulltime year on the TOUR.

In addition to the Rahm-Bryan team, Worthy also announced  that Sam Burns, who just claimed his first Web.com contest this week, will team with PGA TOUR veteran William McGirt, who won the Memorial Tournament in 2016.

“Jon has quickly established himself as a fan favorite for his passion on the course and the quality of his game,” said Worthy. “We welcome him to his first Zurich Classic and welcome back Wesley to his second,” Worthy added.

Rahm won his first title last year at the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open and claimed another victory this season at the 2018 Career Builder Challenge to vault him to third in the world golf rankings.

In the last 18 months, he has recorded two wins on the PGA TOUR and two more on the European Tour, accelerating his rise in the world rankings from 45^th to third. He recorded four top-10 finishes in the FedExCup playoff tournaments that concluded last season.

In his first full season on the TOUR, he recorded 11 top-10 finishes, behind only Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. He also won the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award on the European Tour.

Competing for Arizona State, he became the first player to twice win the Ben Hogan Award, given to the best collegiate golfer. He also won the Jack Nicklaus Award, given to the top Division I collegiate golfer and played on the 2014 World Cup team and the 2015 Palmer Cup squad.

During his collegiate career, he recorded 11 victories, second only to former Sun Devil Phil Mickelson. He won the 2016 individual Pac-12 title and was a three-time All-American. He also won the 2015 Mark McCormack Medal and the 2014 World Amateur Championship, breaking a record held by Jack Nicklaus. Overseas in his native Spain, he won the Spanish Amateur Championship back-to-back in 2014-15.

Bryan started his first full season on TOUR fast as well, winning the RBC Heritage the week before he made his debut at the Zurich Classic last season, when he finished tied for 29^th teaming with Ryan Blaum.

In the weeks leading up to his first victory last year, he claimed two fourths and a tie for seventh  in the space of a month.

He comes from a golfing family. His older brother George IV was a three-time All-American at the University of South Carolina and his sister played for the College of Charleston. His father, George, played in the 1999 PGA Championship and now runs the George Bryan Golf Academy.

While on the Web.com Tour, Bryan won three titles, including the 2016 Chitimacha Louisiana Open presented by NACHER.

Burns, who starred at LSU, took an eighth at the Honda Classic this year, his fourth start on the PGA TOUR. Earlier, in his third start as a professional, he finished second at the Web.com Club Colombia Championship behind Ben Taylor, who also played for LSU.

The Shreveport native broke through this week by winning the Savannah Golf Championship after birdies on the last three holes and now ranks fourth on the Web.com money list. The top 25 players on the money list at the end of the season earn their cards on the PGA TOUR for the next season. Burns has made the cut in five of his six PGA TOUR starts this season.

McGirt is a TOUR veteran with 212 starts in his career going back to 2011. His best finishes this season have been a tie for eighth in the RSM Classic and a tie for 10^th in the Shriners Hospital for Children Open.

He has made the FedExCup playoffs for the last seven seasons.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR season.  This year’s 72-hole stroke team play format will feature Four-Ball (best ball) during the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams. Following the conclusion of the second round, the field will be cut to the low 35 teams and ties. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using the Four-Ball format.

Already committed to the tournament are Justin Thomas, ranked second in the world; Sergio Garcia, the reigning Masters champion;  Bubba Watson, who has won twice this season, playing with Matt Kuchar; Ian Poulter, who won this week to qualify for the Masters;  U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk; 2016 Olympic medalists Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson and Patrick Reed, known for his intensity in team competition.