What Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry try to avoid whenever they play together on the PGA Tour

Add as preferred source on Google

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry’s close-knit friendship was detailed in the latest season of Netflix’s Full Swing.

Growing up on the Irish golfing circuits, McIlroy was present when Lowry won the Irish Open in 2009 as an amateur. What’s more, the duo have gone on to be stalwarts of the European Ryder Cup team.

Last year, Lowry and McIlroy won the Zurich Classic, which was the storyline of Full Swing episode two. During the hour-long documentary, Lowry discussed his relationship with McIlroy and the thought process behind entering the team-orientated event in New Orleans.

Full Swing’s portrayal of McIlroy and Lowry shows the pair’s light-hearted friendship. Taking to the course together appears fun and less competitive.

McIlroy, however, admitted he and Lowry make a “conscious effort” to keep things serious when they’re competing individually at PGA Tour events.

Rory McIlroy discusses Shane Lowry grouping at the Arnold Palmer Invitational

Speaking after his first round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, McIlroy admitted he and Lowry try to avoid becoming too comfortable.

“Yeah, I think we both have to make a conscious effort to not make it too comfortable as well,” the Northern Irishman said.

“It’s like if you’re too relaxed and you’re too – that’s not a good thing either. So we try to treat it as if it’s just any other round. I certainly talk to him more than I talk to some other guys out there, but you still have to try to concentrate, especially on a day like today when it was so tough.”

• READ MORE: Golf fans praise ‘unreal’ Rory McIlroy after two ‘incredible’ moments in round one of the Arnold Palmer Invitational

Rory McIlroy looking to continue fine Bay Hill form

McIlroy is looking to continue his fine Bay Hill form at this week’s event and is two under after the first round.

Strong winds, thick rough and firm greens made the Florida track extremely tricky, so McIlroy will no doubt be pleased with his efforts. McIlroy has six top-ten finishes in his last eight starts at Bay Hill and hasn’t finished outside the top 25 in that time.

As for Lowry, the 2019 Open Championship winner is one shot better off at three under. The Irishman is well suited to windy conditions and avoided any serious trouble during the first round.

Wyndham Clark leads the way on five under. USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley is three under, alongside Lowry.