Rory McIlroy will be teeing it up for the first time at the Zurich Classic this year as he partners long-time friend Shane Lowry in the tournament.
McIlroy has committed to playing the event for the only time in his career. The Northern Irishman and Lowry are close friends off the course and McIlroy will replace Padraig Harrington as Lowry’s usual go to partner.
For McIlroy, it’s a chance to play a top tournament on the tour not long after the pressure of The Masters in April. McIlroy is a favourite for Augusta as the pressure builds on him again.
Of course, playing in the Zurich’s team format alongside Lowry will be a bit of fun for McIlroy. There are, however, FEDEX points on the line and a decent pot of money.
And speaking to Golf.com’s Claire Rogers on the course today, McIlroy revealed how a drunken lunch with Lowry led to this moment.
Rory McIlroy shares ‘drunken lunch’ story about Shane Lowry
Speaking to Rogers shortly after the announcement was made, the Golf.com reporter asked McIlroy how things came about.
And with a brutally honest answer, McIlroy revealed it was all over a drunken meal with Lowry.
“I’m very excited. Funnily enough yeah I’ve known for a bit. I asked him actually. We had this like, really drunken lunch after the Ryder Cup last year and I said to him ‘do you want to play in Zurich together?’. So we’re like, yeah. His former partner is on the Champions Tour, Padraig Harrington. And I was like ‘hey if you’re looking to play’ and yeah, I’m looking forward to it,” McIlroy said.
McIlroy and Lowry will go into the tournament as one of the favourites to win the event.
Both players have won Majors and both are in good form, despite not winning on the PGA Tour just yet this season.
Of course, how they both do in The Masters could affect their performances come the end of April.
But knowing the chemistry the pair have when they’re together, there will be fireworks regardless.
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