Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy got off to a fantastic start in the Zurich Classic yesterday, with the pair finishing joint top of the leaderboard on 11-under after the first day of play in New Orleans.
Whereas golf is largely an individual sport outside of the Ryder Cup, the Zurich Classic is a unique event on the PGA Tour calendar. It allows golfers to team up into pairs for the tournament, alternating between fourballs and foursomes over the four rounds.
This year, Ireland's two best golfers opted to join forces for the first time in the event.
Things went brilliantly, making full use of the fourball format to shoot a massively impressive 11-under score of 61. That put them into a tie for the lead.
Good friends, good golf.@McIlroyRory and @ShaneLowryGolf are off to a hot start @Zurich_Classic 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qXxfZSd0tT
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 25, 2024
That leaves Lowry and McIlroy in a fantastic position heading into the next three rounds.
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Shane Lowry & Rory McIlroy start brilliantly in Zurich Classic
Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy have grown incredibly close off the course over the last few years, having recovered from what at one time was a fairly frosty relationship between the pair.
Last year's Ryder Cup was a prime example, with the boozy celebrations in the aftermath of that event leading to the two of them opting to join forces for this year's Zurich Classic.
Both men seemed to thoroughly enjoy their time on the course together yesterday once again, which included an embrace on the 18th green after finishing their round.
Much respect between the Irishmen 🤝🇮🇪@McIlroyRory and @ShaneLowryGolf hug it out after taking a share of the lead @Zurich_Classic. pic.twitter.com/sU5eSXLzxl
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 25, 2024
Keen observers may have also noticed that the two sported matching outfits on the day, going with the pink shirt, navy pants, white hat combo.
However, Lowry would suggest on social media that he would have to veto one part of their apparel.
Yes to the pink shirt but no to the white trousers @McIlroyRory ☘️ pic.twitter.com/rRsUp1EPaR
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) April 26, 2024
The navy was a safer move in fairness.
Lowry and McIlroy would even seem to enjoy the bizarrely up close and personal nature of their television interview after the round.
Zurich Classic co-leaders (-11) Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry 😆😆
pic.twitter.com/2DWkKWrbYo— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) April 25, 2024
Speaking after the round, Lowry admitted that he had thoroughly enjoyed his experience at the tournament so far.
Any day you go out and play the round of golf we did, you're going to have a good time.
We enjoyed it. We both played nice golf. We both made some nice birdies and contributed to the team, and I think we're very happy with the day, and quick turnaround before tomorrow...
It's nice to know you've got Rory McIlroy backing you up. But yeah, I definitely feel like there's a nice vibe out there with the two of us.
We know each other's games so well. We've played a lot of golf. We play a lot of golf at home together, and we just know each other so well. Yeah, it's nice being out there.
This is unlikely to be the only time we see Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy on the same team in 2024, with the two set to represent Ireland at this summer's Olympics in Paris.
McIlroy spoke this week about how much of a special experience that event was in 2021, while he is also making the most of the time he is spending with his mate this week.
It's nice to come here, team up with a really good friend, and if we play a good round tomorrow, it'll be awesome to be in contention for the weekend and try to get a win on the PGA Tour with a friend beside me.
Looking forward to it.
Well said.
Here's hoping that the two lads can cap off the experience by picking up a win over the weekend.
SEE ALSO: Rory McIlroy Explains How Tokyo Changed His Perspective On Olympics
