Zurich Classic introduces pairs concept in major shake-up to PGA Tour
WITH a dramatic format change, the 2017 Zurich Classic just became a must-watch event.
As was rumoured last week, the Zurich Classic will become a team event in 2017, with 80 groups of two facing off — and players are allowed to select their own partners. World No. 1 Jason Day will team up with Rickie Fowler, while Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson have also announced they’ll reform their Ryder Cup partnership.
“The new 72-hole stroke play format will feature Foursomes (alternate shot) during the first and third rounds and Four-Ball (best ball) during the second and fourth rounds. The starting field will consist of 80 teams (160 players). Each of the top available players from the PGA TOUR Priority Rankings who commits to the tournament will choose his partner, who in turn must have PGA TOUR status unless he is chosen as a tournament sponsor exemption.
Following the conclusion of the second round, there will be a cut to the low 35 teams and ties at the 35th position. In case of a tie after 72 holes, there will be a sudden-death playoff using the Four-Ball format.”
Tiger Woods has already received the first of what will surely be dozens of invitations.
Hey @TigerWoods, wanna peg it at the @Zurich_Classic next year? Pumped about a team event on the @PGATOUR 😜 https://t.co/A8kFAGqjl6
— Wesley Bryan (@wesleybryangolf) November 8, 2016
This is a smart and long overdue move by the PGA Tour. Fans love seeing the world’s best in formats other than the traditional stroke play, and if the Zurich Classic can lure a field full of stars, it has the chance to become one of the top-10 biggest events on tour.