There's Some Fine Print For You: Zurich Flips Alternate Shot To Second And Last Day

Ryan Lavner reports on a big change to the Zurich Classic's two-man team format this week: alternate shot will be used on Friday and Sunday this year, best ball on Thursday and Saturday.

That means fewer birdies and roars, but the Tour is hoping that the move will create more strategy and volatility – leaders likely won’t be able to run away from the pack, while the contenders have more of a chance with a good round.

I love foursomes/alternate shot for match play, but wonder if it's needed for two rounds in this event. Putting it on Sunday certainly heightens the pressure on teams, but also deprives fans of some golf on Sunday, as Lavner notes:

The Zurich has its best field in tournament history, with 10 of the top 14 players in the world, and those stars will only hit half the shots on Sunday. That’s not ideal for either the fans at TPC Louisiana or those watching at home.

“That’s sort of a bummer,” Billy Horschel said. “They had success last year, but they’re trying to make a little tweak and see if it’s any better. If not, they can go back to the old way.”