Justin Rose defends Zurich Classic on and off the course

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There is a unique vibe this year at The Zurich Classic where everything good about golf comes together.

Rose, the 35-year old from England who is currently ranked eighth in the world, will represent the United Kingdom in the Olympics this year. First, the 2013 U.S. Open Champion will be defending his title at the TPC Louisiana, or as he aptly calls it, “my personal fifth major.”

One of the true gentlemen of the game, Rose gave $25,000 of his winnings to the charity-driven Fore! Kids Foundation. That is just a small part of the money collected by the organization.

Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore! Kids Foundation, noted, “In 2015 $1.8 million dollars were given back impacting local charities in the New Orleans region, $5 million in the last three years and $30 million in the last 50 years.”

You don’t hear it very often where local charity received more than the tournament champion, but New Orleans has a way of doing things like this. The Zurich Classic has that positive of an impact locally though.

“This year we will have 35 hours of television coverage not only promoting the best in golf in the world,” Worthy said. “We will be promoting a city of culture like no other and the best food in the world and television coverage that will reach 226 countries and a $45 million impact to New Orleans.”

Rose communicated to us today by remote feed as he rests at his home in the Bahamas with his wife Kate and two young children and prepares for The Masters, where he managed a second place finish last year behind rise superstar Jordan Spieth.

“I will arrive quietly for two peaceful practice rounds on Thursday and Friday and return back home,“ I want to come home and avoid the zoo atmosphere and I will return Tuesday, rested and focused to play,” said Rose.

Success at the TPC Louisiana, a championship course designed by master architect Pete Dye, New Orleans favorite golf son, PGA Tour Veteran Kelly Gibson and PGA Champion Steve Elkington, requires a wide variety of skills. Rose appreciates the fairness of the layout.

“Pete Dye is a master of illusion and trickery, however after many rounds here, I understand the design and it works for me,” Rose explained. “This is a diverse design that does not favor one type of golfer, whether it is the long hitter or a player with a great short game. I am very impressed with how TPC Louisiana keeps getting better each year.”

As for those responsible for the Zurich Classic event, organizers continue to work hard to make it the ideal experience for everyone involved, not just the golf stars.

“Our goal is to not only make it a great challenge for the best golfers in the world, we want to make the Zurich Classic a quality experience for our patrons, vendors, caddies and volunteers,” said Luke Farabaugh, TPC Louisiana General Manager and PGA Member.

There is something special for everyone this year at the Zurich Classic. Family is a high priority, with many family friendly activities. Children under 17 receive free admittance with an adult. The typical local festival goer will be at home with the best in food and music while the golf purist will have some of the game’s best like Jason Day, currently the top ranked player in the world. Other stars set to compete include Rickie Fowler and the defending champion Rose.

The remainder of a strong field will be competing to become golf’s next household name. Remember Jason Dufner, PGA Champion and Bubba Watson, two time Masters Champion, launched their rises to stardom here. Fowler’s high finish at the Zurich gave him the momentum that led to his first victory.

One of the PGA Tour’s top tier events boasting a purse of $7 million, the Zurich Classic is on the rise. Locals are paying attention.

We are proud to say we have never had both pro-ams full this early, and it is painful to turn teams away,” Worthy said.

This year’s Zurich Classic week begins April 25 with the first round of the tournament set for Thursday, April 28.

There are opportunities available to join this 1,000 plus volunteer driven juggernaut. For information on volunteering, contact David Gallo, Tournament Chairman of the Board or Allen Smith of the Zurich Classic Volunteer Challenge at forekidsfoundation.com.