Team play is a hit at Zurich Classic of New Orleans

PGA Tour Zurich Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html

Normally I would have a minimal level of interest in covering the Zurich Classic of New Orleans as a normal 72 hole stroke play event. It doesn't usually have a particularly strong field, New Orleans is a draw for some of the southern guys like Bubba Watson, usually the big boys are off.

This year Zurich Insurance in conjunction with the PGA tour decided to up the interest level and turn this into 2 man team event with 2 rounds of alternate shot and two rounds of best ball.

It was a smart move. The guys are having fun interacting, and play is faster. I grew up playing foursomes, it's a staple in Britain and we get around in 3.5 hours and have a riot doing it.

Here's the game plan. Between the two of us we first decide who is driving on the even and odd numbered holes. Do you have a bomber who you might want to hit on as many of the par 5's as possible, etc...Do you have a great iron player who you might want to tee up on the par 3's..Here's why it's quicker.

If I am driving for  my team on the 2nd hole, my partner is waiting for it half way down the fairway. He hits will I am walking towards the green. etc.

It's always fun to see who plays with who, and why they pick each other.

Look at some of the pairings on my leaderboard link.

Kyle Stanley / Ryan Ruffels lead at -6 66. Ruffels is a young Aussie with a great future.

KJ Choi and Charlie Wi both South Koreans are in at -5 67 as are Jordan Spieth and Ryan Palmer a pair of Texans and Jerry Kelly with Steve Stricker, both in their 50th year.

Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson battled for the gold at the Olympics and are Ryder Cup brothers, there is a Japanese team, Argentina has a team, South Africa has teams, how about Jason Day and Ricky Fowler (-1 71) as crowd favourites.

There are two Canadian teams Graham DeLaet with David Hearn -1 71 and Nick Taylor with Mackenzie Hughes are at +3 playing their 18th..

It's fun and forward thinking in an era where golf is competing with all the other entertainment out there, sports and otherwise for a share of the audience, and there is much more to come.

Miking up the players turned curling into a fascinating game to watch of touch and strategy from a sport that only the devotees watched.

It is an absolute must for pro golf and this team play format is using it more than ever this week to great effect.

Friday is better ball and the scoring will be much lower.... more fun..

Bryan Angus