PGA Tour breather week begets reflection

It may be a breather week for the PGA Tour at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, but don't tell that to this guy. Photo: Stan Badz, PGA Tour
Nothing against the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, but this week feels like an overdue breather for the PGA Tour, which has been grinding through one big event after another since the calendar flipped to 2023.
Jon Rahm's defense of his 2022 Mexico Open title comes into focus next week. Photo: Hector Vivas, Getty Images
In the past seven weeks, there have been five designated events/major championships.
This week and next week – the Mexico Open at Vidanta where Jon Rahm will defend his title – turn the temperature down just a bit before another run of three designated/major events in five weeks, including the PGA Championship.
A few observations while they’re grilling oysters in New Orleans:
•  It took the final grouping of Jordan Spieth, Matt Fitzpatrick and Patrick Cantlay more than five hours to play the final round Sunday at Harbour Town Golf Links, a course that is typically one of the fastes...