Five to watch at this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La.
Steve Stricker
In the Zurich Classic at the TPC Louisiana, No. 3 Stricker and No. 6 Ian Poulter are the only players in the top 20 of the world rankings. Stricker has played New Orleans 11 straight years with six top-20 finishes.
Jerry Kelly
The defending event champion ended a seven-year drought last April when he dropped a two-foot putt on the 72nd hole to edge Charles Howell III, Rory Sabbatini and Charlie Wi by a stroke each. Kelly finished 12th at the 2010 Masters.
Steve Marino
With 17 top-10 finishes since 2007 and no PGA Tour wins, the Fairfax native is overdue. He has been in the top 15 in his last three events. Marino played with Kelly in the final twosome last year, making bogey on 72nd hole to finish two strokes back.
David Toms
He’s Louisiana through and through. Toms was born in Monroe, educated at LSU and lives in Shreveport. He was a popular winner, beating Phil Mickelson by two strokes at English Turn in 2001, the same year he beat Lefty by a stroke in the PGA.
Charles Howell III
Howell is a contender again. Maybe it’s oncoming fatherhood. His first child, a daughter, is due May 30. Howell tied for second at Zurich two of the last four years. He was tied for the lead after two rounds last week at Heritage on his way to a tie for 22nd.
