Zurich adds Zach Johnson to field

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Mar 11, 2008 - UPDATED: 5:05 a.m.

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AVONDALE—The field for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans got stronger Monday with the commitment of 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson to the $6.2 million tournament.

Johnson is the second champion from a 2007 major to commit to the event, which is set for March 27-30 at TPC Louisiana. Johnson, who shocked the golf world when he conquered Augusta National to win the Masters last April, joins British Open champion Padraig Harrington in the field.

The Zurich Classic now has commitments from five of the top 19 golfers in the latest world rankings.

Also committed are Justin Rose (seventh), Jim Furyk (eighth), Harrington (10th), Stewart Cink (15th) and Johnson (19th).

Furyk is one of three former U.S. Open champions in the field along with Retief Goosen and Michael Campbell. Former Masters champion Mike Weir and former PGA champions David Toms, Bob Tway and Paul Azinger, who committed Monday, are also entered.

Other top players to commit along with Johnson and Azinger on Monday were Jose Coceres, Bob Estes and J.L. Lewis.

This year’s Zurich Classic, which will pay $1.116 million to the winner, will mark the 50th anniversary for the Fore!Kids Foundation to host a PGA Tour event in New Orleans. For tickets, visit www.zurichgolfclassic.com or call the Foundation office at (504) 342-3000.