The Loop
Report: Zurich Classic switching to a two-man team format in 2017
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On Monday, the PGA Tour announced a new commissioner. And on Tuesday, a potential big shakeup to one of the tour's events was revealed.
Golf Channel reported the Zurich Classic will switch to a two-man team format starting in 2017. The tournament will still be an official PGA Tour event, with both winners getting a two-year exemption on tour and 400 FedEx Cup points (The average of the points earned by a winner -- 500 -- and runner-up -- 300 -- in a typical tour event). The winners will also earn spots into the Tournament of Champions at Kapalua and that year's PGA Championship, however, they will not earn Masters invites.
Golf Channel's George Savaricas provided the details of the expected change, which also include that there will be 80 two-man teams and that 35 pairs will make the cut. The format will be a mix of foursomes (alternate shot) and four-ball, similar to the Ryder Cup. The Zurich Classic will be held April 27-30 at TPC Louisiana.
According to Golf Channel, this is the first official team event on the PGA Tour since the 1981 Walt Disney World National Team Championship. Currently, the World Cup of Golf is a two-man event, but it doesn't count as an official PGA Tour event.
So far, at least one tour pro has wished upon a star and reached out to Tiger Woods to ask if he wants to partner up.
Hey, you can't blame him for trying.