Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry had a tough battle on Sunday, but the pair came out victorious at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.
After Chad Ramey and Martin Trainor had the better score at 25 under, the lead team had to wait nearly three hours to finish 54 holes. The Irish duo shot a 4-under 68 to win one more hole, making them the only pair to reach that point.
CBS Sports’ call: instant classic: “It’s an Irish party in New Orleans.”
It’s hard to believe it all started with a drunken lunch, but now the Ryder Cup veterans are racking up another victory in team golf.
The win was McIlroy’s 25th on the PGA Tour. This is Lowry’s third PGA Tour victory and his first overall title since winning the 2022 BMW PGA Championship on the DP World Tour.
McIlroy led his team for much of the day as Lowry couldn’t get his irons or putter to work consistently. But Lowry made a birdie putt on the 18th to force a playoff and eventual victory.
The Ryder Cup team-mates had an incredible chemistry and captain Luke Donald sent a message of congratulations immediately after the win.
Well, I attended a boozy October evening lunch that led me to partner with Rory and Shane this week. It always makes me smile when I see my players win. It’s even better when we win together.well done @mkilroy @ShaneLowryGolf @Zurich_Classic
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) April 28, 2024
Fans enjoyed watching the two Irish players come out on top and generate an incredible reaction.
The win already has golf fans thinking too much about McIlroy and the PGA Championship. His second major is in a few weeks at Valhalla Golf Club, where he has enjoyed success.
Rory would win the PGA by seven strokes.
— Masters Burner (@ANGC_burner) April 28, 2024
If Rory wins another PGA Championship at Valhalla and his drunken lunch with Shane Rory becomes the catalyst for his comeback, there will be a lot of excitement. Please mark my words ♂️
— Jack Glaspy (@JackGlaspy) April 28, 2024
The chemistry between these two is unlike any other. After they won, Lowry scooped McIlroy into his arms and said, “You son of a bitch!” as the duo celebrated. Those moments make golf special and help fans understand their personalities.
There are few things in sports better than seeing Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy in top form after a win.
I’m not a golf fan, but I love the atmosphere these two have and it’s just pure fun. pic.twitter.com/MngQzion20
— Oisin Langan (@oisinlangan) April 28, 2024
What an Irish bromance Shane Lawrie and Rory McIlroy are
— Ross McGinley (@RossMcGinley94) April 28, 2024
The bromance between McIlroy and Lowry is alive and well. They have already committed to returning to defend their title in New Orleans in 2025.
This day was a memorable one for the 34-year-old. His 25th win means he joins Johnny Miller, Tommy Armor and McDonald Smith on the all-time wins list. McIlroy is one of just 26 players with at least his 25 wins on the PGA Tour and continues to build his legacy.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.If you want to know more about golf, please follow us. @_PlayingThrough On all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirls and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
