New Orleans, LA …
Seamus Power will look to draw on his Olympic Games experience in this week’s new team format at the Zurich Classic on the TPC Louisiana course in New Orleans.
In a regular PGA Tour first in 36-years, 160 players have formed 80 two-man teams playing alternate shot on Thursday and Saturday and then play best ball on Friday and Sunday, and with the leading 35 teams to make the cut.
Ireland golfer Seamus Power looking to draw on the Rio Games in contesting this weeks Zurich Classic.
Power has teamed with Kiwi and good friend, Steve Alker in the $US 7.2m event headed by the Ryder Cup winning duo of Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, the Gold and Silver medal winners last October in Rio.
“Steve and I have played a lot together in recent years and we spoke a few weeks ago about teaming up but the main thing was that we made it into the event, so we are looking to make the most of it,” he said.
“I know there will be a different pressure in not wanting to let him down and I am sure it will be the same for Steve.
Kiwi Steve Alker enjoying the New Orleans cuisine at the Zurich Classic. Image .. www.golfbytourmiss.com
“Going to the Olympics last year was great and I just learned so much having Padraig as a partner, and I am sure that will help me this week.
“But even in Rio you had to play your own ball as it was an individual format and that is in contrast to this week where Steve and I are going to have to draw much on each other.
“So, this week it is very much going to be a team effort and hopefully it will be a good week for both of us.”
If so, Power and Alker will split the first prize cheque of $US 1.26m and each will receive a two-year Tour exemption but there will be no World Ranking points or any invitation to the 2018 Masters as is customary on the PGA Tour for individual victories.
Rose and Stenson had gelled superbly at the 2014 Ryder Cup winning the very first Gleneagles match 5 & 4 and then the Friday afternoon Foursomes and next day Fourballs.
“Henrik and I get along really well and for a time, we lived right across the street from each other at Lake Nona,” said Rose.
“At Gleneagles, we just paired up beautifully and we had an awesome time on the golf course and a record-setting time, so we had a couple of hot days and have always enjoyed each other’s company.”
