New Playing Format Adding Intrigue to Zurich Classic

The PGA has been trying to spice up the game in multiple ways, from getting fans more involved in the everyday game to making technological advances.  This week at the Zurich Classic, the PGA TOUR is adding some more excitement by changing the game format.

For the tournament, players compete in teams, as opposed to individually.  And unlike previous team events, like pro-ams, the players this week got to pick their own partners rather than being assigned a partner.  This has added a fun aspect to the game that players seem to love since they get to play with their friends and, in some cases, family.

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The way the tournament is set up, there are different styles of play each team must prepare for depending on the round.  For example, in the first and third rounds, teammates will alternate shots and must pre-determine which player will be hitting what shots per hole. In the second and final rounds, however, both players will play the hole and the best score between the two will be recorded.

The most intriguing part of the tournament is how the teams shook out.  Some players went all out, going deep into analysis to determine who their ideal partner would be to play to their strengths and cover up their weaknesses.  But most players decided to just go with their friends and family.  For example, Jordan Spieth didn’t team with another superstar, instead, he chose fellow Texan Ryan Palmer.

Brooks Koepka is another player who went this route, choosing his brother as a partner.  The less known Koepka isn’t even a PGA TOUR player, as this will be his first event outside of the European Tour.

Overall, many players think this new format will be good for the game of golf.  Bubba Watson is one of the strongest proponents, stating that “for them to come up with this idea of showing the fun side of golf … you’re going to see a lot of smiles, a lot of laughing and a lot of enjoyment of the game.”

While this seems like something that is radical for the Tour, it will be interesting to see how popular the new format is and if it will appear in any other events this season or in the coming years.

Cover Image via YouTube