Zurich Classic of New Orleans 2026: How to Watch and PGA Schedule
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans returns to TPC Louisiana in April 2026 as a unique team event on the PGA Tour schedule, featuring a distinctive format where golfers compete in pairs rather than individually. This PGA Tour event, held annually in Avondale, Louisiana, just outside New Orleans, offers fans a chance to watch top professionals collaborate in a modified alternate-shot and best-ball format over four days of competition.
For the 2026 edition, the tournament is scheduled to grab place from April 23 to April 26, with daily rounds beginning at 7:30 AM local Central Time. Fans can follow live coverage through multiple platforms, including the PGA Tour’s official streaming service PGA Tour Live, which provides featured group coverage and amenity corner access. Traditional broadcast partners CBS and Golf Channel will also air selected rounds, with weekend coverage typically emphasized on CBS.
The Zurich Classic’s team format creates strategic intrigue as partners must decide whether to play alternate shot, where teammates hit alternating shots on each hole, or best ball, where each player plays their own ball and the lower score counts. This flexibility allows teams to adapt their strategy based on course conditions and individual strengths, making the event a fan favorite for its unpredictable and collaborative nature.
TPC Louisiana, the host venue, features a challenging layout designed by Pete Dye with water hazards coming into play on numerous holes, particularly the closing stretch. The course’s reputation for producing exciting finishes aligns with the Zurich Classic’s reputation for delivering dramatic team performances, especially when partnerships navigate the Amen Corner-like stretch of holes 15 through 18.
How to Watch the Zurich Classic 2026
Viewers in the United States can access live coverage through PGA Tour Live via subscription, which offers commercial-free featured group coverage and access to amenity corners throughout the tournament week. For traditional television viewers, Golf Channel will provide early-round coverage on Thursday and Friday, whereas CBS will handle weekend broadcasts on Saturday and Sunday, typically beginning in the afternoon Eastern Time.
International audiences should consult their local sports broadcasters or the PGA Tour’s international partners for region-specific coverage options. The PGA Tour’s official website and mobile app provide real-time scoring, hole-by-hole details, and featured group tracking for fans unable to access live video streams. Social media platforms including the PGA Tour’s official Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts will offer updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the event.
For those attending in person, TPC Louisiana offers various ticket options including daily grounds passes and weekly credentials, with hospitality packages available through the tournament’s official website. The venue’s location near New Orleans provides convenient access to the city’s cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment options for visitors combining golf with a trip to the historic French Quarter or surrounding parishes.
Zurich Classic 2026 Schedule and Format Details
The tournament follows a standard four-day schedule with 18 holes played each day from Thursday through Sunday. Cut procedures apply after 36 holes, with the low 35 teams and ties advancing to the weekend rounds, ensuring competitive fields for Saturday and Sunday play. Daily pairings are determined by a combination of random draw and seeded positions based on FedExCup standings, with featured groups often highlighted for television coverage.
The Zurich Classic employs a modified scoring system where teams can choose between alternate shot and best ball formats on a hole-by-hole basis, allowing strategic flexibility not seen in standard individual stroke play events. This unique approach requires partners to communicate effectively and build real-time decisions about which format maximizes their chances of success on each hole, adding a layer of tactical depth appreciated by both players and spectators.
Weather considerations play a significant role in the tournament experience, with late April in Louisiana typically featuring warm temperatures and potential afternoon thunderstorms. The PGA Tour monitors conditions closely and may implement weather delays or suspensions if necessary, with updates provided through official channels and on-course signage. Fans are advised to check the PGA Tour’s weather page for real-time updates during the event week.