Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry had to fight hard on Sunday, but the duo prevailed at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer posted the score to beat at 25-under, then had to wait for nearly three hours for the 54-hole leaders to finish. The Irish duo was the only pair who could get there as they posted a 4-under 68 to force one extra hole.
The CBS Sports call was an instant classic: “It’s an Irish party in New Orleans.”
To think it all started with a drunken lunch, and now these Ryder Cup veterans have another team golf win under their belts.
This victory marked McIlroy’s 25th PGA Tour victory. It was Lowry’s third PGA Tour win and his first title overall since he won the 2022 BMW PGA Championship on the DP World Tour.
McIlroy carried the team most of the day as Lowry couldn’t get his irons or putter to stay consistent. However, Lowry made a birdie putt on 18 to force the playoff, eventually leading to victory.
These Ryder Cup teammates have incredible chemistry, and their captain, Luke Donald, sent out a congratulations note almost immediately after the win.
Well I joined that boozy lunch in the early evening back in October that led to Rory and Shane partnering up this week. Always brings a smile to see any of my players win – winning together is even better. Well done lads @McIlroyRory @ShaneLowryGolf @Zurich_Classic
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) April 28, 2024
Fans enjoyed watching the two Irishmen come out on top, producing incredible reactions.
This victory already has golf fans overthinking when it comes to McIlroy and the PGA Championship. The second major is just a few weeks away at a venue he has had success at, Valhalla Golf Club.
Rory is going to win the PGA by 7 strokes.
— Masters Burner (@ANGC_burner) April 28, 2024
Gonna be crazy when Rory wins another PGA Championship at Valhalla and his resurgence was sparked by a drunken lunch with Shane Lowry. Mark my words ♂️
— Jack Glaspy (@JackGlaspy) April 28, 2024
The chemistry these two have is unlike anything else. After they won, Lowry scooped McIlroy into his arms and said, “You little f***er!” as the duo celebrated. Those moments make golf special, and help fans realize how personable these guys are.
There are few things better in sport than watching Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy in good form after a win.
I’m not a golf fan but love the vibe between those two, just pure joy. pic.twitter.com/MngQzion20
— Oisin Langan (@oisinlangan) April 28, 2024
Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy what an Irish bromance
— Ross McGinley (@RossMcGinley94) April 28, 2024
The bromance between McIlroy and Lowry is alive and well. They have already committed to returning in 2025 to defend their title in New Orleans.
It was a monumental day for the 34-year-old. To get that 25th win means he joins Johnny Miller, Tommy Armour and Macdonald Smith on the all-time wins list. McIlroy is one of 26 players with at least 25 wins on the PGA Tour as he continues cementing his legacy.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
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