The Zurich Classic of New Orleans will "switch to a two-man team format" in '17, becoming the PGA Tour's "first team event in nearly 40 years," according to a source cited by Will Gray of GOLFCHANNEL.com. Golf Channel's George Savaricas noted the event will "feature 80 teams of two." Both members of the winning team will "receive the two-year Tour exemption that typically accompanies a victory in an official event, and each winning player will receive" 400 FedExCup points. A regular tournament "offers 500 points to the winner and 300 to the runner-up." Additionally, both winning team members will "earn spots in the Tournament of Champions and PGA Championship, but will not receive Masters invitations for the team win." The top 80 qualifiers will be "allowed to choose their own teammate, with the caveat that their partner must have at least some PGA Tour status this season." The changes come to an event that "sometimes struggles to draw an elite field and often battles inclement weather delays during its late spring slot on the schedule." The most recent team event on Tour was the Walt Disney World National Team Championship, which "featured a two-man format" from '74-81 (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 11/8).
CHANGE OF PACE: In Baton Rouge, Mickles & Rabalais note the decision to change the format was "made by the 16-man Player Advisory Council and approved by the Tour Policy Board on Monday night." Teams will "play a combination of best ball and alternate shot, much like they do in international events such as the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup." After "switching from alternate shot to best ball the first two days, the field will be cut to the top 35 teams for Saturday and Sunday when alternate shot and best ball is used again on those days." Tour player and Player Advisory Council co-Chair Charley Hoffman said, "This will turn the week into a great event in New Orleans. They’ve struggled the last few years with the depth of the field, but they will get a lot of great players and we’re going to have fun.” Fellow player and council member Ricky Barnes said, “It’s a just a little change of pace, not only for us but for the fans” (Baton Rouge ADVOCATE, 11/9).
STAYING IN SIN CITY? In Las Vegas, Steve Carp reports talks are ongoing "on an extension" of the Shriners Hospitals For Children Open's contract, which expires after next year's event. If both sides can "come to terms and the Shriners’ 22-member board approves, Las Vegas will retain a PGA Tour event." Shriners Open Exec Dir Adam Sperling said that the dialogue has "been good from both sides." He "hopes a decision will be made by April when the board meets." But it "could come as early as January." Carp notes attendance has "steadily improved each year." Last year’s event "drew 37,500 for the week." Tournament Dir Patrick Lindsey "believed when the numbers for this year are recorded, daily attendance will be up" from '15. The tourney is televised on Golf Channel and has also "used several digital platforms to increase visibility" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 11/8).
