Zurich Classic of New Orleans

PGA Golf Tournament

April 19 – 25, 2021 TPC Louisiana

92Days 12Hrs 30Mins 47Secs
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PGA Tour

FORE!KIDS FOUNDATION TOPS $2 MILLION IN CHARITABLE GIVING THIS YEAR, AN ALL-TIME HIGH

Foundation has generated more than $9 million to children’s charities in last five years.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (February 5, 2019)—For the first time ever, the Fore!Kids  Foundation, producer of the PGA TOUR’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, has topped the $2 million mark in donations to children’s charities, announced Steve Worthy, CEO of the Foundation.

“Thanks to the generosity and dedication of our fans, sponsors, volunteers and PGA TOUR players, we have steadily increased our charitable giving each year for the last five years, and this year passed the $2 million mark,” said Worthy. “And of course, none of this would be possible without the outstanding leadership and commitment to our community from our title sponsor, Zurich Insurance,” Worthy added.

The Fore!Kids Foundation donated funds this year to some 60 charities in the metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas, impacting the lives of more than 200,000 children in southeast Louisiana. The Foundation has generated more than $9 million in charitable contributions over the last five years.

Lead non-profit organizations receiving six-figure donations include: Children’s Hospital; Bayou District; First Tee of Greater New Orleans; St. Michael Special School; Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and Educare New Orleans.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA TOUR season. Since implementing the team format two years ago, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans has drawn some of the highest ranking fields for any regular-season tournament on the PGA TOUR. In 2018, the tournament field included six of the top ten players in the world; all four reigning major champions; the U.S. Ryder Cup captain and six members of the U.S. team along with the European Ryder Cup captain with four of his co-captains and six players on the victorious European team.

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 Holiday Auction Fore!Kids and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise more than $37 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 22-28, 2019 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. Purse for 2019 totals $7.3 million, with each member of the winning team earning $1,051,200.

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.

Zurich Insurance extends sponsorship of Zurich Classic of New Orleans through 2026

AVONDALE, LA – APRIL 28: Jonas Blixt of Sweden and Cameron Smith of Australia wait to putt on the ninth hole during the second round of the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana on April 28, 2017 in Avondale, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

7-year agreement renews Zurich’s commitment to New Orleans on city’s 300-year anniversary

AVONDALE, LOUISIANA – Zurich Insurance is renewing its sponsorship of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans through 2026.  The seven-year extension was announced today, the final day of the 2018 tournament, by Zurich North America CEO Kathleen Savio, PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation Steve Worthy. The Fore!Kids Foundation is the local host organization of the Zurich Classic.

Zurich became title sponsor of the tournament in 2005 and last signed an extension through 2019. Last year, the Zurich Classic became the PGA TOUR’s only official team event. The innovative format continued for this year’s tournament as the city of New Orleans celebrates its 300-year anniversary.

“New Orleans has a resilient past with a bright future, and we’re proud to extend our sponsorship of the Zurich Classic, continuing our teamwork with charitable organizations,” said Savio.  “The Zurich Classic is a wonderful opportunity to work side by side on and off the course to create opportunities, overcome challenges and win.”

 Zurich assumed sponsorship of the tournament just months before Hurricane Katrina devastated the region. Zurich and its employees became deeply rooted in New Orleans’ recovery, and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans became the first major sporting event to commit to returning to the city for 2006. Zurich executives and employees have been intimately involved with the community and the Fore!Kids Foundation’s charitable initiatives ever since. These include hands-on support of SBP, established after Katrina to rebuild homes in storm-ravaged areas of the city, and St. Michael Special School for children with significant learning disabilities. Funds from Zurich and the tournament helped to build a Vocational Training Center that bears Zurich’s name and a state-of-the-art playground at the school.

“I can’t say enough about the dedicated support Zurich has provided to the Fore!Kids Foundation and the New Orleans area from the outset of sponsoring the Zurich Classic of New Orleans,” Monahan said. “It really has been an ideal association from the outset, when Zurich became so entrenched in the recovery process following Hurricane Katrina. That bond has continued to grow over the ensuing years and, I’m excited to say, will continue to do so for many more to come.”

Officials, in fact, have referred to New Orleans as Zurich’s adopted home.

“Zurich has been an incredible partner and their support has allowed us to impact the lives of countless children in our region,” Worthy said. “We greatly appreciate their love of our community, and we look forward to our future, working together to make this event and its impact continue to grow.”

About PGA TOUR

By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.

The PGA TOUR co-sanctions more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Web.com Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR Series-China. Members on the PGA TOUR represent the world’s best players, hailing from 25 countries (84 members are from outside the United States). Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to more than 1 billion households in 226 countries and territories in 23 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving. In 2017, tournaments across all Tours generated a record of more than $180 million for local and national charitable organizations, bringing the all-time total to $2.65 billion.

The PGA TOUR’s web site is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

 About Zurich Insurance Group

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.

Fidelity Bank teams with Zurich Classic as title sponsor of tournament’s signature Champions Cub

Fidelity will also become official bank of the tournament

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 26, 2018)—Fidelity Bank, which has provided financial services to the New Orleans area for nearly 110 years, has teamed with the Zurich Classic to become title sponsor of the popular Champions Club and official bank, announced Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the tournament.

The Fidelity Bank Champions Club features signature dishes from seven of the best restaurants in New Orleans: Arnaud’s, Drago’s, Nola, Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steakhouse, Jamba Juice, Mr. B’s Bistro, PJ’s Coffee, Ruffino’s and Tableau by Dickie Brennan.

“We are proud to associate with a heritage name like Fidelity Bank in our Champions Club,” said Worthy. “Fidelity is an honored institution in New Orleans and their strong support will help us significantly in generating funds for children’s charities,” Worthy added.

“Fidelity Bank is celebrating our 110th year and our mission is  ‘Here for Good.’  We believe our partnership with Fore!Kids Foundation  and the Zurich Classic helps to strengthen our mission and allows us to support many non profits that align with our values including the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation,” said Chris Ferris, President and CEO Fidelity Bank. “The significant economic impact the Zurich Classic has had on our city since 2005 has been tremendous and we are glad we can be a part of that continued support to our community,” Ferris added.

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 Fidelity Bank

Founded in 1908, Fidelity Bank mission is HERE FOR GOOD. Fidelity Bank is an $800 million dollar in assets mutual financial institution chartered by the state of Louisiana with 18 branches throughout Southeast Louisiana. Fidelity Bank provides a full array of banking and mortgage services, with high integrity and personalized service to communities throughout Southeast Louisiana. For more information, please visitwww.bankwithfidelity.com.

 

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.

Reigning U.S. Open Champion Brooks Koepka returns to PGA TOUR play at 2018 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

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 11th); the Open Championship (tied for sixth) and the PGA Championship (tied for 13th). He ended the season with a sixth at the TOUR Championship to finish 10th 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 21st  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.

2018 Zurich Classic field features 4 of tp 5 adn 9 of top 14 in the world

 

 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 12th 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.

Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington and former Zurich winner Jason Dufner form teams

 

Harrington teams with fellow Irishman Shane Lowry and Jason Dufner pairs with Pat Perez, ranked 22nd 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 4th 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 22nd 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 16th.

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.

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