Rory McIlroy, a four-time major champ, won the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana with his friend Shane Lowry. The duo teamed up for the PGA Tour’s only team event after a drunken lunch following their Ryder Cup win. The people of New Orleans welcomed them with enthusiasm, filling the course with large crowds and applauding them at restaurants. Despite McIlroy’s struggles on the course and a stressful period in his career, the week in New Orleans was about having fun and getting away from the stress.
McIlroy’s season had been challenging, with reports of him being outearned by a caddie and facing stressful situations within the PGA Tour. He faced backlash for his comments on the desire for money ruining the sport and had a public incident with playing partners at the Players Championship. However, the Zurich Classic provided McIlroy with a much-needed break from the pressure, allowing him to enjoy the game with his friend Lowry. Despite their casual approach to the event, they found themselves in contention on the final day and eventually secured the victory in a playoff.
Lowry expressed gratitude for McIlroy’s support and the positive impact he had on the team during the tournament. McIlroy’s competitive spirit and desire to win became evident as the event progressed, leading to a shared victory with Lowry. The camaraderie between the two friends was evident throughout the week, with playful banter and mutual support on the course. The win marked McIlroy’s 25th PGA Tour victory and Lowry’s entry into remaining signature events on the tour.
The event organizers celebrated McIlroy’s victory and expressed their desire for him to return to defend his title. McIlroy hinted at a potential comeback for the following year, indicating that the fun and enjoyment of the week in New Orleans had a positive impact on his outlook. Despite the challenges he faced leading up to the tournament, McIlroy found solace in the support of his friend and the opportunity to rediscover the joy of playing golf. The Zurich Classic served as a much-needed break for McIlroy and a memorable victory for him and Lowry playing as a team.
