The world’s best golfers will head this week to the famed TPC Louisiana course in Avondale, Louisiana for the 2016 edition of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. A total of $7 million is at stake for the world-class field with the winner grabbing not only 500 FedEx Cup points but also the $1.26 million top prize.
Read on below as we list down three high-value long shots who we believe can produce a major shock this weekend. While you’re at it, you can check out our sleeper picks for the 2016 Zurich Classic.
Lines: view all Zurich Classic of New Orleans lines
David Toms
Looking for a sentimental pick this week? How about Tour veteran David Toms? If reports are to be believed, this could be the American’s final appearance in his home-state event. Toms has fared extremely well in this tournament before, winning the title back in 2001. The 13-time PGA Tour winner has made the cut in all eight starts since the event permanently moved to TPC Louisiana in 2007 with a share of fifth (in 2009) marking his best showing at this track. That experience will prove vital for Toms as he navigates the nooks and crannies of this tough course.
Jerry Kelly
One long shot who can definitely make a run at the title this week is Jerry Kelly. The grizzled veteran loves playing in this TPC Louisiana course as evidenced by his tournament win here back in 2009. He shot a 14-under-par total of 274 in that said event to record his third and last PGA Tour victory. Kelly is fresh off a 65th-place finish at the recently-concluded Valero Texas Open.
What makes Kelly such a viable threat in every golf tournament that he competes on is his solid hitting off the tee. He is fifth in the PGA Tour in driving accuracy percentage with a remarkable 71.87 percent clip. That incredible precision will come in handy when tackling the narrow fairways of this notoriously tough TPC Louisiana course.
Hudson Swafford
On the lookout for a worthy long shot this week? How about Hudson Swafford? The American is one of the longest hitters on tour, averaging a whopping 307.0 yards per drive this season. That will be a crucial weapon for Swafford as he tackles the long 7,425-yard, par-72 TPC Louisiana course this week. Swafford already has two top-15 finishes this year (Sony Open, Farmers Insurance Open) and it isn’t far-fetched to see him sneak up the leaderboard once again this week.
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