1. A unique format brings interest

This is typically a slow time on the PGA Tour, an understandable lull after the Masters that is nearly impossible to avoid. This week's Valero Texas Open has at times suffered the brunt of this malaise, although it perseveres and is typically among the PGA Tour's most prolific events in charitable giving.

Next week's tournament also suffers from this post-Masters hangover, but when Jordan Spieth committed to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the otherwise sleepy event suddenly had seven of the top 10-ranked players in the world.

Although the city's cuisine might be an underlying factor, the influx of top talent is undeniably more related to the format.

Last year the tournament announced that it would be a two-man team competition instead of the standard stroke-play fare. And in a nod to the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup -- and maybe someday to Olympic golf -- the format will be two days of foursomes (alternate shot) and two days of four-ball (better ball).

Players will not earn world ranking points, but they can earn PGA Tour exemptions for winning along with a purse that will be $7.1 million.

Spieth will team with fellow Texan Ryan Palmer. Other teams are Rickie Fowler-Jason Day; Justin Rose-Henrik Stenson; Bubba Watson-J.B. Holmes; Justin Thomas-Bud Cauley; Daniel Berger-Thomas Pieters.

It is a tough time on the schedule, but a new format has clearly put a spotlight on the tournament -- and it will be interesting to see how long that lasts.

2. World ranking fallout

Because the cutoff for the top 50 in the world to be eligible for next month's Players Championship falls on May 1, this week's tournament in Texas is the last chance to qualify for those on the PGA Tour. The Zurich Classic will not be offering world ranking points because of its team format. Those competing at the European Tour events being played in China this week and next would also have the opportunity to move into the top 50 and make it into the field for the Players, May 11-14.