Not all drunken decisions are good. But it is safe to say that neither Rory McIlroy nor his Zurich Classic paying mate, Shane Lowry, regret pairing up together for the Tour’s only team event. It was the result of a “really drunken lunch,” McIlroy explained earlier. However, two Irish ‘lads’ are having fun in New Orleans and playing well, too.
That was evident in their body language. The duo exudes confidence. Even when Lowry almost played his tee shot into the water, McIlroy was uber-cool. And when the players are having fun, can fans feel any difference?
Lowry collapses on the floor; McIlroy laughs
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Shane Lowry hit his ball too close to the water. In fact, it almost found the water hazard before dramatically stopping just inches short of the penalty area. Lowry, breathing a sigh of relief, collapsed to the floor. “Catch a breath, Shane. It held up,” one commentator quipped.
Enter Rory McIlrory into the scene. Now, the Northern Irish pro had his fair share of water troubles this year. He even missed a title in Dubai because of an errant tee shot that landed on the lake. But in the case of his friend, McIlroy was as cool as a freshly harvested cucumber.
The four-time Major winner just casually walked up and plucked the tee. Lowry embraced his playing partner, both laughing. The two-time PGA Tour winner retweeted the clip, captioning, “Never in doubt @McIlroyRory”. Lowry shouldn’t have worried, because McIlroy said he had his back.
Never in doubt @McIlroyRory 🙈☘️☘️ pic.twitter.com/DWXgI86dfh
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) April 26, 2024
“I was just trying to keep him as positive as possible and just remind him that I’m here and I’m here to back him up in any way that I can,” the 24-time PGA Tour winner said earlier. Fans, too, sensed that Lowry and McIlroy have never had this much fun on the course, and boy did they blow up X because of it!
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have won the fans’ hearts
Lowry has played at the Zurich Classic before with fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington. One fan believed his ‘local knowledge’ saved him this time. While others thought, Lowry was just giving some ‘scare’ to his playing mate. “Just tryin’ to throw a wee scare at the lad, right?” one X user commented.
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We love you, Shane! https://t.co/pRuDmpiaQw
— Clean Observer (@Hammbear2024) April 26, 2024
According to McIlory’s comment, it appeared as though he missed the Ryder Cup vibe very much. “We spend our whole lives going back to the same cities, the same golf courses, and the same routines. So, to do something a little different is nice.” For fans, too, it has been a blessing to watch these two ‘lads’ together. Reportedly, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have been frequenting one of the most popular New Orleans restaurants every night this week.
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“Great playing so far!! Rooting for you guys! Been fun watching you two together!” One fan commented. Someone else echoed, “Love these two guys forever. Peace ” This was McIlroy’s first time in New Orleans. However, the team already has a dedicated fan base; many want to see them next year as well. “Never seen @ShaneLowryGolf & @McIlroyRory enjoying themselves so much at any golf tournament Be great seeing them play @Zurich_Classic every year.”
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will head to the moving day, hoping to capitalize on the camaraderie and strong momentum. Since his Hero Dubai Desert Classic victory, the Ulsterman has made only one top-10 this season. Lowry has made nine straight cuts, including the Zurich Classic, with two top-5s under his belt.