We had the leaderboard surrounded at one point on the weekend at the RBC Heritage, but we still haven't gotten any of our picks across the finish line this year. It's been a cold start, but hopefully warmer temps are on the horizon.
After months of Signature Events and majors, we finally have a quiet week on the PGA Tour. The Zurich Classic isn't the easiest tournament to sweat, but we still have plenty of betting markets at our disposal.
Perhaps a team event is exactly what we need to get our first outright win of the season.
Let's take a look at my Zurich Classic picks and PGA Tour predictions for this week's event.
2026 Zurich Classic Course Preview: TPC Louisiana
The Zurich Classic is the lone team event on the PGA Tour schedule this year. There are 72 teams set to tee it up in New Orleans this week with the top 33 and ties moving on to play the weekend.
This has historically been a tough event to handicap because team events tend to be more volatile. This also has a unique format in that the tournament alternates between four-ball (best ball) and foursomes (alternate shot) over four rounds. Teams will need to take advantage of the two four-ball rounds and hold on for dear life in the two foursomes rounds.
The event is held at TPC Louisiana, which is a Pete Dye design. It's a Par 72 that measures 7,425 yards. The course isn't overly difficult, and we've seen the winning score get to at least 25-under par in each of the last four years.
Like most Dye courses, this isn't one that you can overpower off the tee. There are a lot of less-than-driver holes, which brings all types of golfers into the mix. Rather than focusing on a specific skillset, I'm looking for golfers who can make a ton of birdies, and team that should have some good chemistry together.
2026 Zurich Classic Picks, Predictions
Zurich Classic Pick: Matt Fitzpatrick / Alex Fitzpatrick
Odds: +1200
I think it's awesome that brothers can team up and play on the PGA Tour. It's even more awesome that both of these brothers are coming off of wins. Matt Fitzpatrick won the RBC Heritage last week, while Alex Fitzpatrick won the Hero Indian Open a few weeks ago.
This team is typically one-sided, but Alex has been holding his own on the DP World Tour this year. The two arrive in as good of form as any team in the field, and they arguably have better chemistry than any team in the field.
I know +1200 feels a bit steep for a high-variance event, but the Fitzpatricks are easily my favorite duo teetng it up this week. They have played this event three times together and have finished in the top 20 twice.
Zurich Classic Pick: Rico Hoey / David Lipsky
Odds: +4500
While I'm not sure what their connection is or whether that will translate to chemistry on the course, I do like the way their games fit together. Rico Hoey is a top-five ball striker in this field, which will be extremely beneficial in the foursomes portion of the event. David Lipsky is top 20 in this field in both strokes gained: around-the-green and strokes gained: putting, so this duo has opposing strengths.
I also like the fact that Lipsky has made the cut at this event in each of the last four years and has finished in the top five twice. Perhaps being paired with an elite ball striker will be enough to help Lipsky cross the finish line on Sunday.
Zurich Classic Pick: Austin Smotherman / Andrew Putnam
Odds: +4700
Much like the last duo, this team has opposing strengths. No matter what timeframe you want to use, Austin Smotherman is the best iron player in the field. He's also top 15 in the field in strokes gained: off-the-tee and good drive percentage.
On the opposite side, Andrew Putnam is a short game king. He's accurate off the tee, elite around the green, and well above average on the greens.
These two can rack up birdies quickly, which should be great for the two four-ball rounds.
Zurich Classic Pick: William Mouw / Takumi Kanaya
Odds: +6600
The last team on my card is a bit of a long-shot. William Mouw and Takumi Kanaya were teammates at this event last year and finished in a tie for 18th.
I wouldn't say they have been having standout years on the PGA Tour individually, but they have been consistently making cuts and are both very talented.
They are both excellent drivers of the ball. Mouw is a solid iron player, while Kanaya is very good on and around the greens.
