The PGA Tour will make its way to Avondale, Louisiana and the TPC Louisiana course for this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Following a number of years of waning interest in the tournament, officials tweaked the format from an ordinary stroke play event to a team event. That provided a renewed enthusiasm in New Orleans that the PGA Tour hope will carry over to this year’s tournament. Jonas Blixt and Cameron Smith celebrated the first ever win under the new format in 2017. Which tandem will come out on top this year? Here is a look at the eight best bets to win the Zurich Classic Of New Orleans with odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook.
Event Details
Event: Zurich Classic
Category: PGA
Date: April 26th-29th, 2018
Location: TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana
Past Five Winners
2017: Jonas Blixt & Cameron Smith -27
2016: Brian Stuard -15
2015: Justin Rose -22
2014: Noh Seung-yul -19
2013: Billy Horschel -20
Rose & Stenson +800
Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson are the Pete Dye specialists and both major champions so it should be no surprise they are the sports betting favorite to win the Zurich Classic Of New Orleans. This tandem missed the cut a year ago but that should only serve as added motivation to contend this year. There is no doubt about the talent this team brings to the table. Rose and Stenson should be popular betting picks to win this tournament.
Thomas & Cauley +1100
Justin Thomas and Bud Cauley placed fifth in the inaugural edition of this event under the new format. What do they have in store for their second appearance? Thomas and Cauley were excellent in the four ball rounds but a third round 74 cost them big time and ultimately it was too much for them to overcome. Consistency will be the key for this tandem in 2018. If they can play the entire event at the level they played the opening two rounds at a year ago then Thomas and Cauley will have an excellent opportunity to win this tournament.
Reed & Cantlay +1100
The reigning Masters champion Patrick Reed will team up with Patrick Cantley to create another formidable contender for this week’s event. Reed is playing some of the best golf of his career. Meanwhile, both Reed and Cantley are quality Pete Dye track performers. One year after finishing tied for 14th in this tournament, Reed and Cantley might be the best value pick on the board if you are trying to pick a winner for this year’s Zurich Classic Of New Orleans.
Spieth & Palmer +1200
While they aren’t getting the same level of attention as the tandems listed ahead of them in this column, Jordan Spieth and Ryan Palmer are just as capable of winning this tournament. Consistency has been an issue for both golfers but there is no denying their individual talent. If Spieth and Palmer could put it all together this week then they could surprise as another decent value betting option.
Watson & Kuchar +1400
Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar represent another interesting tandem that is sure to get some attention heading in to this week’s Zurich Classic Of New Orleans. Watson in particular is coming off a rough outing at The Masters but the 2011 Zurich Classic winner will be eager to put that performance behind him. He and Kuchar have the talent to surprise in Louisiana this week.
Cabrera Bello & Garcia +2000
Sergio Garcia hasn’t played in Louisiana since 2010 but his decision to team up with Rafa Cabrera Bello this week definitely makes this team worth keeping an eye on this week. There is no doubt about this tandem’s ability both individually and working together this week. At +2000 odds, Cabrera Bello and Garcia represent a decent mid-tier sports betting value heading in to this week’s Zurich Classic Of New Orleans.
Snedeker & Holmes +3300
The 2016 Ryder Cup teammates Brandt Snedeker and J.B. Holmes will team up again in Louisiana with a chance to surprise at a decent price. Holmes has the power off the tee and Snedeker has the short game to really turn some heads at this event. Listed at +3300 odds to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans outright, Snedeker and Holmes are an interesting tandem to consider when you’re thinking of picking an outright winner this week.
Hoffman & Watney +4000
If you are looking for a strong sleeper option for this week’s tournament then Charley Hoffman and Nick Watney might very well be the best value on the board. This tandem finished tied for fifth a year ago but are listed at +4000 odds to win this year’s event. After a strong debut appearance as a tandem last year there is no doubt Hoffman and Watney are priced correctly to be worth taking a shot on at this year’s Zurich Classic Of New Orleans.
