Zurich: After 36 Years Two-Man Team Play Is Finally Here

The Zurich Classic vaults two-man team play and much-needed variety back onto the PGA Tour schedule, and players have responded, Steve DiMeglio reports for USA Today.

Shoot, even Bubba is swooning.

“You're going to see a lot of smiles, a lot of laughing and a lot of enjoyment of the game of golf,” said Bubba Watson, who is playing with former Presidents Cup partner J.B. Holmes.

“Zurich and the PGA Tour, you take your hats off. How would you not want to be here for this event? For them to step out of the box and do something creative like this is pretty amazing.”

Jeff Babineau digs a little deeper to consider some of the pairings for Golfweek.com, but can't look past the powerhouse Gold-Silver Medal winning duo of Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson.

Initially I wasn't too wild about the novelty element in European Challenge Tour player Chase Koepka receiving a sponsor's invite to play with brother Brooks. Given how many strong teams entered, it turns out that the Koepka's are one of the more enjoyable stories to follow this week.

Josh Berhow reports for Golf.com.

"We could either kill each other or it could be an awesome week," said Brooks.

Not long after the announcement that this year's Zurich Classic would be changed to a two-person team event, Brooks Koepka, 26, inquired about his younger brother, 23-year-old Chase, joining his team. He was granted an exemption and will make his first PGA Tour start this week in New Orleans. He previously played at the University of South Florida and has played on the European and Challenge tours since.

"It will be fun," Brooks Koepka said. "The whole family is here, so it will be neat for them."

You know how I feel.

One key to the week: how will television tell the stories of how the teams were formed (Ben Everill and Mike McAllister did a lot of the hard work here for PGATour.com, including confirmation of the Spieth-Palmer lost friendly wager story that's been circulating). They must also try to capture some of the inside-the-ropes dynamics of foursomes and best-ball play that we don't get with individual stroke play. On-course reporters and good research will be key to telling the many stories like those of the Koepka's.

PGA Tour Live begins coverage at 9 am ET. Golf Channel coverage begins at 3:30 pm ET.

The PGATour.com breakdown of how the format works and other FAQ's you might have.