The Zurich Classic is one of the most unique events in golf, as the event sees players pair up and compete for glory in teams.
Rory McIlroy, who is taking to the course for the first time since winning The Masters and completing the career Grand Slam, is eyeing more success.
McIlroy and good friend Shane Lowry won this event in 2024 and they’re now set to team back up for another shot at the title.
Due to the special format, it is a fan-favourite tournament and the players seem to love it too, creating some great scenes throughout the week.
If you’re not familiar with how things work though, here’s a breakdown…
Zurich Classic 2025: Format explained
The field of 160 golfers compete in pairs, with 80 teams in the event.
There are four rounds of play throughout the tournament, just like a typical golf format, but at the Zurich Classic, things chop and change.
In the opening round, pairs will play in a fourball format, which is where each player plays their own ball and the best score out of the pair goes towards their team score.
That then switches in the second round to a foursome format.
Foursomes see each pair use one ball between them, with players hitting alternate shots on a hole while one tees off on odd-numbered holes and the other on even.
The total strokes taken by the pair on a hole result in their score.
The top 33 pairs from the field progress through to the weekend’s action and the final two rounds of play.
Zurich Classic: Format breakdown
- First Round: Fourball
- Second Round: Foursome
- Third Round: Fourball
- Fourth Round: Foursome
For the third round, the format returns to fourball.
Before it then changes up again for the fourth and final round, going back to foursomes.
Should the tournament end in a play-off, the formats will switch between fourball and foursome for each hole played in the sudden-death finish.
As mentioned, McIlroy and Lowry will be aiming to defend their title as they team up again at the Zurich Classic.
Other pairs include Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, and Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama.
You can find all of the confirmed pairings for the event HERE.
Zurich Classic 2025: Date and how to follow
The event will get started on Thursday, April 24 and run all the way through to the final round of play on Sunday, April 27.
The action at TPC Louisiana is expected to get started at 1pm.
talkSPORT 2 will have live commentary of the action in Avondale and you can listen here.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
Listen via the talkSPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Visit talkSPORT BET for all the latest odds and bet boosts.
The event will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf.
The Open 2025 Hospitality
Enjoy a 3-night weekend getaway with hospitality for both Saturday and Sunday of The Open 2025.
Stay in comfort at the Hilton Templepatrick, with transfers included and exclusive access to the Your Golf Travel Clubhouse.
All this from just £2,495 per person – don’t miss your chance to be part of golf’s biggest event in ultimate style.
Plan your dream golf trip HERE.
