Shane Lowry, Rory McIlroy Ready to Defend Zurich Classic Title — And Keep the Fun Rolling
Lowry Reflects on Masters Drama, McIlroy’s Commitment to Team Return
April 23 – NEW ORLEANS, La.
As the PGA Tour shifts to its only official team event this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Shane Lowry admits he wasn’t entirely sure if he and Rory McIlroy would get the chance to defend their title together.
Lowry, who closely followed McIlroy’s run at the Masters earlier this month, knew emotions could go either way for his longtime friend. “If things didn’t go his way at Augusta, I wasn’t sure he’d want to show up,” Lowry told reporters Wednesday with a chuckle. “And if things did go his way, I figured he’d be somewhere else — celebrating!”
Luckily for Lowry, and fans in New Orleans, McIlroy showed up.
McIlroy Keeps His Word: “It’s About Commitment”
Fresh off his long-awaited Masters victory, which completed his career Grand Slam and marked his fifth major title, Rory McIlroy said he had no doubt about honoring the Zurich commitment.
“We’re defending a title,” McIlroy said. “We had so much fun last year. This event means something to us. Obviously, it’s important to follow through.”
Still glowing from the whirlwind of congratulations after his win at Augusta, McIlroy shared that both Donald Trump and Barack Obama reached out in the days that followed. “I spoke to two presidents the day after,” he said, adding with a grin, “which was pretty cool.”
The Northern Irishman described the outpouring of messages from across sports, entertainment, and culture as “humbling.”
A Dynamic Duo Back in Action
The Lowry-McIlroy partnership became a fan favorite during their victorious 2023 run in New Orleans, where the format of team golf added a lively twist to the PGA Tour calendar. Their chemistry on and off the course was undeniable — something they hope to replicate this week.
Lowry, 38, enters the event in solid form with three top-10 finishes in nine starts this season. McIlroy, 35, is riding high with three victories already in 2024, including the Masters.
Their blend of friendship, talent, and competitive fire makes them one of the most anticipated teams in the Zurich Classic field.
Looking Ahead at TPC Louisiana
The Zurich Classic’s unique format — combining alternate shot and best ball rounds — demands trust and synchronicity. Few pairings enter with more of both than Lowry and McIlroy.
For Lowry, beyond the strategy and the stakes, it’s about enjoying the moment: “We had such a great time here last year,” he said. “And honestly, it’s rare we get to play this kind of team golf. That makes it special.”
With McIlroy back in tow, and the pressure of Augusta behind them, the Irish duo is ready to chase more memories — and another trophy — on the fairways of TPC Louisiana.
