The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, held April 24-27 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, wrapped up with thrilling moments and standout performances. As the PGA Tour’s only team event, this tournament brought 80 two-player teams to the bayou, alternating between Four-ball (best ball) and Foursomes (alternate shot) formats. From Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry’s title defense to rookies stealing the spotlight, here’s everything you need to know about the final leaderboard, key highlights, and more!
Final Leaderboard: Top Teams Shine
The 2025 Zurich Classic saw fierce competition, with low scores dominating the par-72, 7,425-yard course. Below is the final leaderboard for the top teams, based on the latest updates from PGA Tour and ESPN sources:
| Position | Team | Total Score | Prize Money (Team) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrew Novak / Ben Griffin | -25 | $1,660,000 |
| T2 | Rory McIlroy / Shane Lowry | -24 | $606,350 |
| T2 | Knapp / Capan III | -24 | $606,350 |
| T2 | Luke List / Henrik Norlander | -24 | $606,350 |
| T5 | Taylor Dickson / Trace Crowe | -21 | $278,300 |
| T5 | Karl Vilips / Michael Thorbjornsen | -21 | $278,300 |
Note: Scores and positions are based on reports from ESPN and CBS Sports, with Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin clinching the title after a stellar 11-under 61 in Saturday’s Four-ball round.[](https://www.espn.com/golf/leaderboard)[](https://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/2025-zurich-classic-leaderboard-live-updates-golf-scores-full-coverage-of-round-3-in-new-orleans/live/)
Key Highlights from the 2025 Zurich Classic
The tournament was packed with memorable moments, from course records to dramatic finishes. Here’s a rundown:
- Novak and Griffin’s Victory: Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin surged to the top with a scorching 11-under 61 on Saturday, taking a three-stroke lead into the final round. Their chemistry and aggressive play in Four-ball secured their first PGA Tour team title, earning each 400 FedExCup points.
- McIlroy and Lowry’s Charge: Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry made a strong push, highlighted by a chip-in eagle from Lowry and a walk-off eagle by McIlroy on Saturday, tying them for the lead at one point. They finished T2 at -24, falling just short of a repeat.
- Rookies Steal the Show: PGA Tour rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo led after Friday’s Foursomes with a 3-under 69, holding a one-stroke edge. Though they slipped to T8, their performance turned heads.
- Højgaard Twins’ Record: Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard tied the course record with a 59 in Round 1’s Four-ball, setting the tone for their T10 finish at -13. Their twin synergy was a fan favorite on X.
- Weather Delay: A 90-minute weather delay on Saturday due to a lightning-producing storm paused play, but teams like McIlroy/Lowry stayed composed, with eagle chances on the 18th.
Fun Fact: The Zurich Classic’s team format, in its eighth year, encourages low scores, with teams often shooting in the low 60s during Four-ball rounds. This year’s winning score of -25 reflects the format’s birdie-friendly nature!
Standout Performances and Social Media Buzz
Social media, especially X, lit up with reactions to the tournament. Posts praised the Højgaard twins’ 59 and McIlroy’s clutch eagle, with one user calling it “a soul-suckingly nervous finish” for fans. Others highlighted betting picks, like the Højgaard/Højgaard team at +250 for a top-10 finish, which paid off.
Notable performances included:
- Knapp and Capan III: Their 12-under 60 on Saturday was the round of the day, landing them T2 at -24. They missed a birdie on the par-5 18th that could’ve pushed for a 59.
- Collin Morikawa / Kurt Kitayama: The duo, featuring world No. 8 Morikawa, started strong with an 11-under in Round 1 but faded, finishing outside the top 10.
- Joel Dahmen / Higgs: Tipped as a +200 top-20 bet on X, they delivered, showcasing their veteran savvy.
Tournament Details and Format
The Zurich Classic, sponsored by Zurich Insurance through 2030, featured a $9.2 million purse and a field of 160 players in 80 teams. Held at TPC Louisiana, the course’s TifEagle Bermudagrass greens ran at 12½ feet on the Stimpmeter, favoring aggressive play.[](https://www.espn.com.au/golf/leaderboard)
The format alternated between Four-ball (Rounds 1 and 3) and Foursomes (Rounds 2 and 4), rewarding teamwork. Top teams earned exemptions into the PGA Championship and 2026’s The Sentry and THE PLAYERS Championship, though no Official World Golf Ranking points were awarded due to the team format.
How to Follow the Action
Missed the live coverage? Catch highlights on CBS Sports, ESPN Plus, or PGA Tour’s website. Round 3 aired on CBS from 3-6 p.m. ET, with streaming on the CBS Sports App and PGA Tour Live. For real-time scores, check GolfLive24 or FOX Sports.
Fans on X shared live updates, with @PGATOUR posting McIlroy’s eagle and the Højgaards’ course record. Follow @PGATOUR or @wdsu for the latest golf news.
What’s Next for the PGA Tour?
With the Zurich Classic in the books, the PGA Tour heads to THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, where top-five FedExCup earners from this event, Corales Puntacana, and the Nelson will secure Truist Championship spots via the Aon Swing 5. Justin Thomas, fresh off his RBC Heritage win, is a name to watch.
The 2025 Zurich Classic delivered drama, low scores, and a showcase of golf’s best teamwork. Congrats to Novak and Griffin for their breakthrough win! What was your favorite moment? Share in the comments, and stay tuned for more PGA Tour action!