– The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is not a typical PGA Tour tournament. It is played in pairs. Two days of fourball and the other two of foursome. In other words, there is a certain strategy. For example, it is necessary to decide who tees off first on each hole and with which ball the alternate shot format is played.
– The tournament takes place at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. It has rained quite a bit in recent days, so the fairways are still a bit heavy and the greens receptive, though not soft. As you know, this week we have a Spanish duo in the tournament. Alex del Rey and Ángel Ayora will play together thanks to an invitation. It is not a minor matter, considering that it has only happened once since the tournament changed to a pairs format eight years ago. It was Sergio García and Rafa Cabrera Bello in 2018 and they missed the cut.
– Del Rey and Ayora will play with a slight handicap. It is their first time there and they have not had time to play the entire course. They have only been able to practice from 1 to 11. Yesterday they were evacuated before starting the 12th due to a thunderstorm and today they could not train because there was a Pro Am. Let’s remember they played in China last week and received confirmation of the invitation on Saturday night, so they could not arrive in New Orleans until very late on Monday.
– As for the strategy, unless there is a last-minute change, they have decided that Ayora will tee off on the even holes and Del Rey on the odd ones. Both hit very long, but Ángel is a bit straighter. At least, we would say his dispersion percentage is lower. Additionally, Del Rey is hitting his irons very well, so it is an advantage to have him on the second shots on par 4s and 5s. The Madrid native, however, will have to face two quite tricky par 3s: 9 and 17. In the end, there is something for everyone.
– Regarding the ball, here is an interesting detail. The rule is different from the Ryder Cup, where each foursome pair chooses the ball before teeing off and plays the entire match with the same one. In the Zurich Classic, a different ball can be used on each hole. That is, they make the decision on the tee, complete the hole with the same ball, and can change for the next one.
– With this rule, logically, Ayora and Del Rey will play the par 3s with the ball of the one teeing off, while they still had to decide what strategy to follow on the par 4s and 5s. They were unsure whether to maintain the same plan, that is, play with the ball of the one teeing off or use the ball of the one who will hit the second shot with an iron or wedge, where greater precision is needed. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are going to carry out the second strategy, as revealed today by the recent Masters winner.
– By the way, for the curious, Ayora plays the black TP 5 ball from TaylorMade, while Del Rey uses the Srixon Z Star XV.
– The match they have been drawn for the first two days is not bad at all. They will play with Matteo Manassero and Cristóbal del Solar. They know each other well, so it will be much more manageable.
– The tournament has a sensational atmosphere. In fact, the grandstand on the 18th is one of the largest of the year on the PGA Tour. It is clear that Ayora and Del Rey will put on a show if they manage to unleash their full arsenal. The good people of New Orleans will not forget their names.
