Everything you need to know about the 2015 Zurich Classic

The PGA Tour spices things up a bit this week with a visit to The Big Easy, host of the annual Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Here’s everything you need to get ready for the 2015 Zurich Classic, including how to have fun in New Orleans, television coverage and fun facts about the championship.

Five things to do on your next visit to New Orleans

1. Visit Jackson Square

“The French Quarter’s heart and soul is a must-see, boasting a statue of Andrew Jackson at its center and a ragtag collection of artists and fortune-tellers fringing its perimeter. It’s flanked by the filligreed Pontalba apartments, site of the Streetcar-Named-Desire-inspired “Stella!” shouting contest held during the annual Tennessee Williams Festival. At the Square’s crown are three 18th-century architectural glories: the Cabildo, a former city hall where the Louisiana Purchase was signed; St. Louis Cathedral; and the Presbytère. The onetime courthouse is now the flagship of the Louisiana State Museum, showcasing Living With Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond, a fascinating exhibit on the infamous storm.” – NatGeo

2. Eat a Po’Boy Sandwich

The pride and joy of New Orleans is without a doubt the po’boy sandwich, one of man’s greatest creations. Meat, seafood, or sausage on crusty French bread with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, Creole mayo or remoulade. What more is there to say?

3. Party on Bourbon Street

In the heart of New Orleans oldest Neighborhood is Bourbon Street. While it’s largely quite during the day, Bourbon Street comes alive at night, and not just during Mardi Gras. The guys at Thrillist took the time to rate every single bar on Bourbon Street. And in case you’re wondering, there’s dozens and dozens to choose from in the 13 block district that extends from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue.

4. Enjoy Some Live Music

New Orleans has one of the best local music scenes in the entire country. From blues, to jazz and everything in between, there’s a proud heritage of great sound that stems from The Big Easy. Check out OffBeat Magazine for a really great look at the New Orleans music scene.

5. Ride A Streetcar

The best way to take in everything New Orleans has to offer will only cost you $1.25. That’s the cost to ride the famous streetcars of New Orleans. There are three major streetcar lines – the Riverfront line, the Canal Street line and the St. Charles line.

Television Coverage

Thursday’s first round coverage

Television:
3 to 6 p.m. – Golf Channel

Friday’s second round coverage

Television:
3 to 6 p.m. – Golf Channel

Saturday’s third round coverage

Television:
1 to 2:30 p.m. – Golf Channel
3 to 6 p.m. – CBS

Sunday’s final round coverage

Television:
1 to 2:30 p.m. – Golf Channel
3 to 6 p.m. – CBS

10 Facts you didn’t know about the Zurich Classic

1. The tournament record score is 26-under par (262), shot by three-time Ryder Cup participant Chip Beck in 1988.

2. The tournament has undergone 11 different name changes since it started as the Crescent City Open in 1938.

3. Billy Casper won his 51st and last PGA Tour event at the 1975 tournament.

4. Nine golfers have won the event twice, including Casper, Byron Nelson and Tom Watson.

5. Neither Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead or Ben Hogan have ever won the event.

6. The purse for the Zurich Classic is a whopping $6.9 million.

7. When K.J. Choi won in 2002, he became the first Korean born golfer to win on the PGA Tour.

8. In 1995 Davis Love III defeated Mike Heinen in a sudden death playoff. Had he lost, he would not have been eligible to compete in that year’s Masters. Love finished second at Augusta.

9. Billy Horschel’s first ever win on the PGA Tour was at the 2013 Zurich Classic.

10. Nick Watney’s win in 2007 was also his first ever win on the PGA Tour.