The Fitzpatrick brothers arrive at TPC Louisiana carrying significant momentum as the 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans prepares to tee off Thursday morning. Matt Fitzpatrick's recent victory at the RBC Heritage has positioned the sibling duo as early favorites in the PGA Tour's lone team event.
The tournament begins with 74 two-man teams competing in fourballs format, where each player plays their own ball and the better score counts. The opening round features morning and afternoon waves, with Golf Channel's live coverage starting at 3 p.m. ET.
"I think momentum is a big part of the sport, for sure," said Taylor Moore, who will partner with Wyndham Clark. "But I had a really good off-season. I was excited to get started at the beginning of the year and only got into two events to start, so I was really happy to play well at Cognizant, which ultimately got me in this field."
The field includes several notable pairings beyond the Fitzpatrick brothers. Brooks Koepka teams with Shane Lowry, while Tony Finau partners with Max Greyserman. The tournament format alternates between fourballs and foursomes across four days, testing different aspects of team chemistry and strategy.
Tournament organizers will make the cut to the low 33 teams and ties after Friday's foursomes round. The weekend continues the alternating format, with Saturday's third round returning to fourballs before Sunday's foursomes finale.
Among the afternoon starters, the Fitzpatrick brothers are scheduled for a 1:42 p.m. EDT tee time. Other marquee pairings in the later wave include Koepka and Lowry, along with several international teams looking to make their mark on American soil.
The tournament showcases both established partnerships and new combinations. Some teams feature players with existing chemistry from previous team events, while others represent first-time pairings seeking to find immediate synergy.
TPC Louisiana provides the backdrop for this unique competition, where individual skill must blend with team strategy. The course demands both precision and power, qualities that successful teams must demonstrate across both fourballs and foursomes formats.
Friday's foursomes round traditionally proves more challenging, as partners alternate shots throughout each hole. This format often separates the truly compatible teams from those still finding their rhythm.
The Zurich Classic has established itself as a unique fixture on the PGA Tour calendar, offering fans a different perspective on professional golf while providing players with a rare team experience during the individual-focused season.