From the Couch: Sunday Lessons from the PGA Tour
Watching the Pros… and Taking Notes – 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
What New Orleans Taught Us About Trust, Timing, and Letting Someone Else Take the Shot
Sunday golf teaches us something every week – if we’re paying attention.
And this week… it felt different.
Because this wasn’t just your game.
It was shared.
Two players.
One scorecard.
And that changes everything.
Because when it’s your shot…
you don’t want to mess it up.
And when it’s not your shot…
you still feel it.
A bogey-dreamer watching the best in the world… and realizing golf might be individual…
…but it doesn’t always feel that way.
Sunday 60-Second Recap (Zurich Classic of New Orleans)
Winner: Matt Fitzpatrick / Alex Fitzpatrick (−31)
Second Place: Alex Smalley / Hayden Springer (−30), Kristoffer Reitan / Kris Ventura (−30)
Third Place: Multiple teams (−28)
Where: TPC Louisiana – Avondale, Louisiana
What Made This Week Interesting
• A team format that forces players to rely on each other
• A tight leaderboard with two teams just one shot back
• The turning point: the Fitzpatricks closing with a birdie on the final hole to win it
• A close call: two teams finishing one shot short at −30
• Alternate shot format putting pressure on every decision
The Fitzpatricks didn’t run away with it.
They finished it.
The Bogey to Scratch Lesson
Some rounds are about control.
This one was about trust.
Because when you don’t hit every shot…
…it changes everything.
Settle in. Let’s talk golf.
Winners: Matt Fitzpatrick / Alex Fitzpatrick (−31)
They didn’t overpower the course.
They stayed in sync.
All week, they balanced both formats:
Best ball – take advantage.
Alternate shot – stay disciplined.
And that’s where this tournament is won.
Because in alternate shot…
you’re always hitting from somewhere you didn’t choose.
They handled it.
And when it came down to the last hole…
they stepped in and finished it with a birdie.
That’s winning golf.
What They Did Well
• Stayed consistent across both formats
• Trusted each other in pressure moments
• Took advantage of scoring in best-ball rounds
• Executed when it mattered most on the final hole
What They Didn’t Do (And Why It Matters)
• Didn’t press trying to separate too early
• Didn’t let one bad shot affect the next player
• Didn’t get out of rhythm late
BTS Lesson
Great golf isn’t always about control.
Sometimes…
it’s about trust.
Second Place: Smalley / Springer & Reitan / Ventura (−30)
This is where it gets interesting.
Because two teams had it.
Right there.
One shot away.
They played great golf.
Put themselves in position.
But when it came down to the last stretch…
they just didn’t get that final moment.
What They Did Well
• Played aggressive, scoring golf
• Took advantage of best-ball opportunities
• Stayed in contention all week
What They Missed
• One final opportunity late
• A chance to match the closing birdie
• Separation when it mattered
BTS Lesson
Being one shot away…
is still one shot away.
Third Place Teams (−28)
This group stayed close all week.
Never out of it.
Always around the number.
But when Sunday came…
they didn’t make the move.
And that’s the difference.
Because in a team event…
momentum has to come from both players.
What They Did Well
• Stayed consistent across all rounds
• Avoided big mistakes
• Kept themselves within striking distance
What They Missed
• Didn’t produce a late run
• Couldn’t build momentum together
• Never fully applied pressure at the top
BTS Lesson
Consistency keeps you in it.
But at some point…
you need both players to go get it.
A Reminder from New Orleans
This format doesn’t just test your swing.
It tests your trust.
Because you’re not always in control.
And that’s uncomfortable.
But it’s also where you learn the most.
What This Weekend Teaches the BTS Community
Trust your process
Even when it’s not your shot
Stay in rhythm
Disruption leads to mistakes
Don’t press
Let the round come to you
Finish strong
Opportunities don’t last long
From a personal note…
Watching this one… it makes you think.
How often do we try to control everything?
Every shot.
Every outcome.
When sometimes…
you just have to commit…
and trust it.
From the Couch
Watching it from the couch… it was hard not to notice something.
Even at this level…
they’re not trying to do more.
They’re just trying to do their part.
So grab a Monster… and let’s take a few notes.
3 Things I Learned Watching the PGA Tour This Week
1. The Funny Observation
Alternate shot looks fun… until it’s your turn after a bad one.
2. The Mental Game Reminder
Trust is a skill.
3. The Strategy Takeaway
Consistency beats flashes – especially when someone else depends on it.
The Next Shot
Try this on your next round:
• Commit fully to your shot – no second guessing
• Stay in your tempo, even after a mistake
• Focus on what’s in front of you, not what just happened
Because finishing strong…
is about staying present longer than everyone else.
Real Talk. Play Better.
Effort builds results.
