Paulie’s Picks: 2017 Zurich Classic

Another week…another winner. The victory by Kevin Chappell marks the third victory in four weeks (Henley in Houston and Bryan at the Heritage). The win total for the calendar year is now up to five!! Let’s try to continue that hot streak as we head into the unique format at this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans (follow @friedeggpaulie on Twitter).

This week, players pair up with another player to form a two-man team. This creates an interesting dynamic as some players perform better under a team format. Since there are no DraftKings contests this week and many leagues are taking this week off, I will focus on a few teams that I like to win or are a great value.

Justin Rose & Henrik Stenson (6-1)

Rose and Stenson may be the most consistent team in the field. These Ryder Cuppers are pure ballstrikers but may need at least one of them to putt well to win this week. Look for them to dominate the field in the alternate shot format. It also doesn’t hurt that Justin Rose won here in 2015.

Thomas Pieters & Daniel Berger (14-1)

This team arguably has the most upside of any team in the field. Both players are known to be birdie machines which should bode well for the best ball portion of the event. Will they play well in the alternate shot format though? Will Pieters play amazing team golf like he did in the Ryder Cup?

Branden Grace & Louis Oosthuizen (15-1)

If you are looking for a team that has amazing chemistry, look no further than this South African duo. They are close friends and went 4-0 in the Presidents Cup as partners. Both players are very consistent tee to green which should pay dividends in both formats on this demanding tee to green course.

Patrick Cantlay & Patrick Reed (28-1)

Will a team format bring out the feisty and clutch Patrick Reed? Can Patrick Cantlay capture his first victory on tour? The answer may be yes to both of those questions come the end of this week.

Longshot of the Week: Seung Yul Noh & Byeong Hun An (55-1)

This Korean team will go under the radar to the average fan this week. They have amazing success at this track. Noh won here in 2014 and An nearly won last year losing in a playoff to Brian Stuard. On top of that, they compliment each other very well for alternate shot. An is a premier ball striker while Noh’s strength is putting which is clearly An’s weakness (Noh is ranked 117 spots higher in strokes gained putting). At 55-1, I’m willing to take a flyer on this team.