Perez and Pavon Team Up for French Challenge at Zurich Classic

All-French Duo Takes on McIlroy and Lowry in Louisiana

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the only team event on the PGA Tour, is set to tee off from April 24 to 27 on the TPC Louisiana course. In a first for the tournament, an all-French team of Matthieu Pavon and Victor Perez will compete.

Perez Returns, This Time with a Fellow Frenchman

Victor Perez, a native of Tarbes, is no stranger to the Zurich Classic. He has participated in the event for the past two years but has yet to make the cut. In 2023, he teamed up with Belgian Thomas Detry and finished 13th.
This year, however, Perez is paired with countryman Matthieu Pavon, the reigning champion of the Farmers Insurance Open. The duo has a shared history, having played together on the St Laurent Golf Team and representing France in the Olympic Golf event at Golf National.

Rory and Shane Aim to Defend Their Title

The French pair will face stiff competition, namely from the Irish duo of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, who are eager to defend their title.
McIlroy and Lowry won the 2024 Zurich Classic, and their partnership has proven successful, with three victories together last season.

The Unique Format of the Zurich Classic

• Thursday and Saturday: Four-ball format (best ball)
  Friday and Sunday: Foursome format (alternating shots)

A win for Pavon and Perez would secure them 400 FedEx Cup points and a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

Did you know?

This will be the first time two French players have teamed up in the Zurich Classic.
Perez is the first Frenchman to play in the event three consecutive times.

Pro Tip

Keep an eye on Pavon’s driving accuracy. His precision off the tee could be the key to a successful outing for the French duo.

Reader Question

Can you describe the difference between four-ball and foursome formats?
In four-ball, each player plays their own ball, and the lower score of the two determines the team’s score. In foursome, players take alternate shots.

The Road to Olympic Golf: Victor Perez’s Journey

Born in Tarbes, Southwest France, Victor Perez began playing golf at the age of five. His rise to prominence has been meteoric, with victories on the Challenge Tour and the DP World Tour, culminating in his Olympic debut in 2024.
Now, with Matthieu Pavon by his side, Perez aims to make history at the Zurich Classic.

“It’s an incredible feeling to represent France with another Frenchman. We’ve grown up together, played together, and now we have the chance to do something special.” – Matthieu Pavon

– Matthieu Pavon,/Openquotes

The stage is set for an exciting showdown on the greens of Louisiana. As tradition dictates, the road to the Zurich Classic is paved with unpredictability and thrilling competition. Will it be an Irish celebration or a French triumph?

Call to Action

Share your thoughts on the Zurich Classic showdown in the comments below. Which duo do you think will come out on top?