There is a fresh format with a new twist.
West Virginia gamblers interested in the Zurich Classic and its distinctive format will need to take into account a fresh set of PGA betting factors. The tournament takes place from Thursday to Sunday.
In contrast to the typical PGA competition, this unique event takes place in pairs, emphasizing a team dynamic.
Players see it as a rejuvenating shift, similar to their excitement for an All-Star game. It serves as a break from the regular routine of tournaments and offers a delightful glimpse into the occasional rescue efforts by one player for another, which is typically unattainable during the tour.
This is the original leaderboard sourced from DraftKings WV Sportsbook:
- Viktor Hovland/Collin Morikawa +650
- Patrick Cantlay/Xander Schauffele +800
- Scottie Scheffler/Ryan Palmer +900
- The defending champions, Cameron Smith and Mark Leishman, have odds of +1000.
- Sam Burns/Billy Horschel +1200
Additionally, the Round 1 winner is awarded a prop up and it is considered one of the most popular golf draws for organizing tournaments. Furthermore, two- and three-ball matchups are available beyond the scope of the leaderboard.
Zurich Classic tournament format
Making a few initial bets is acceptable, but unlike any other tour stop, this particular one emphasizes the advantages of in-game betting. How do the players engage with each other and adapt to the novel circumstances? Do they leverage each other’s strengths to their advantage?
Observe the initial situation and wager higher amounts subsequently.
Teams will take turns playing different formats. By observing the first two rounds, you can gauge which team is more at ease with various formats.
This tournament presents an opportunity where placing more bets later on could be advantageous. There is no established strategy for determining which teams will have better synergy, except for the potential for Smith/Leishman to excel again.
However, a PGA player who is typically considered weak may actually make a great teammate. While he may not excel at aggressive plays like going for birdies, he can be relied upon to consistently achieve par, making him a reliable and safe option for his partner.
Rules according to the PGA Tour
The format for this event is an alternating-round of four-ball and foursomes.
In the upcoming tournament, the format will consist of four-ball play for the first and third rounds, while foursomes play will be followed in the second and final rounds. During foursomes play, players will alternate their tee shots. Specifically, one player will assume the responsibility of hitting the tee shots on all the odd-numbered holes, while the other player will take charge of the even-numbered holes.
Player A and Player B form a partnership.
Player A starts by teeing off on the first hole, followed by Player B taking the second shot. Player A then plays the third shot, and this sequence continues until the ball is successfully holed. The accumulated number of strokes taken by the players will determine the team’s score for that specific hole.
During a four-ball play, all players on each team will individually play their respective balls for the entire round. The team will then record the best score achieved on each hole.
For instance, during the first hole, each team’s golfers start by teeing off. Player A manages to achieve a par, while Player B impressively birdies it. Consequently, the team will be acknowledged with a birdie.
Breaking down PGA’s Zurich Classic
Field
There will be a total of 80 teams (comprised of 160 players) participating in the tournament. Each player, selected from the highest-ranking participants in the PGA Tour Priority Rankings, will have the opportunity to choose their partner. However, the chosen partner must hold PGA Tour status, unless they are granted a tournament sponsor exemption.
Making the cut
After the completion of the second round, the 33 teams with the lowest scores, including any ties for 33rd place, will be eliminated.
If there is a tie.
The playoff will consist of a hole-by-hole competition, where each hole will be played in different formats. The first hole will be played as foursomes, with alternate shots between teammates. Then, the second hole will be played as four-ball, where each player plays their own ball and the best score is taken. This alternating format will continue for the remaining holes, following a predetermined rotation.
With a win
By participating in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, players have the opportunity to earn valuable FedExCup points and monetary rewards. Additionally, if they emerge as the winning team, they will be credited with an official victory. This achievement grants them a two-year winner’s exemption and grants them eligibility to participate in prestigious invitational fields such as the Sentry Tournament of Champions and THE PLAYERS Championship.
Moreover, the PGA of America will classify both members of the victorious team in the tournament winners’ section for the PGA Championship.
Zurich Classic odds at WV sportsbooks
There are those who might argue that Hovland/Morikawa does not offer good value at their current price. While they are undeniably talented players, their price might not be considered as an excellent bargain.
Scheffler and Palmer present a quintessential dilemma in the world of betting. Scheffler, widely regarded as the top player globally, recently emerged victorious in the Masters, a tournament Palmer failed to qualify for. However, there is a significant belief among many individuals that Palmer’s talents are undervalued and that he will excel in this particular format.
In four-ball play on potential birdie holes, interesting decisions may arise. Palmer has the option to adopt a conservative approach, ensuring a par score, while Scheffler can take a more aggressive stance and take a chance by attempting to reach the green in two shots, aiming for a birdie or even an eagle.
Bettors might observe a more relaxed atmosphere among the players, particularly leading up to the last round. Certain players excel when they are devoid of any pressure.
Make sure to always seek out value and distinctive props that may arise in each round. Additionally, the leaderboards will be adjusted after every round as well.
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