FILE - In this April 28, 2013 file photo, Billy Horschel celebrates after sinking a birdie putt on the 18th green to win the Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La. Horschel is back to defend his first ever PGA Tour title at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. He'll be challenged this week by Ernie Els, Justin Rose and a host of other players who've won on tour in the past couple years. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File) (The Associated Press)
AVONDALE, La. – There's something about the rhythm of life in the Big Easy that appeals to Billy Horschel, who acknowledges that he can be a little "hyper" for even his own liking while competing on the PGA Tour.
Horschel earned his first tour victory in New Orleans last year. It remains his lone triumph at golf's highest level, though he isn't shy about saying that he likes his chances of defending his title.
Horschel's toughest competition this week includes 2013-14 tour winners Kevin Stadler, Chris Kirk and Matt Every, along with Masters runner-up Jonas Blixt. There's also a host of established tour players including Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler and Keegan Bradley.
Then there's the Zurich's recent history of producing first-time PGA Tour winners. That's happened six of the past nine years.
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