If Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry lead at the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, they will be the first team to defend their title at this event. Last year they finished with a score of 25-under par, yet they face stiff competition to set a new record at TPC Louisiana. Collin Morikawa partners with Kurt Kitayama this week, and the reigning champions Nick Hardy and Davis Riley will also be part of the 2025 Zurich Classic field. The tournament starts on Thursday at 8 a.m. ET.

McIlroy and Lowry, teeing off at 8:52 a.m. ET, are currently the +350 favorites, following the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. They are closely followed by Morikawa and Kitayama at 12-1, as well as J.T. Poston and Keith Mitchell at 16-1, among other strong contenders.

Before making your picks for the 2025 Zurich Classic, it is essential to check the predictions from a proven computer model that has previously called various major winners. This model, developed by DFS expert Mike McClure, has seen substantial success since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, achieving nearly $9,000 in returns since then.

This model has accurately predicted 14 major championships, including winners at the Masters and other significant tournaments. To ensure you are aligned with the best potential outcomes for the Zurich Classic, consider the multiple outcomes simulated by this highly effective model. It is also worth noting that many high-value longshots can make significant runs at the title, giving keen followers insight on potential betting strategies.