Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry held onto a share of the lead on Friday in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, with the Irish duo shooting a two-under 70 in alternate play in the PGA Tour’s only team event.
The teams of Davis Thompson-Andrew Novak, Ryan Brehm-Mark Hubbard and Aaron Rai-David Lipsky matched McIlroy and Lowry at 13 under at TPC Louisiana. They will play best ball on Saturday and close with alternate shot on Sunday.
Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, the 2022 winners, were a stroke back with Callum Tarren-David Skinns, Nick Taylor-Adam Hadwin, Zach Johnson-Ryan Palmer, Luke List-Henrik Norlander and Corey Connors-Taylor Pendrith.
McIlroy and Lowry, who opened Thursday with a best-ball 61, overcame Lowry’s mid-round putting woes to close with consecutive birdies. Lowry missed two short birdie putts and a makeable par putt.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lowry collapsed to the floor in relief as his tee-shot at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans missed a water hazard by the smallest of margins
“I was just trying to keep him as positive as possible and remind him that I’m here and I’m here to back him up in any way that I can,” McIlroy said.
Lowry rebounded with a long par-saving putt on the fourth hole and blasted out of a greenside bunker to inches on the eighth after a mammoth drive by McIlroy.
“I missed a pretty short one on 18 and then another one on the second,” Lowry said. “I started to get a little bit into myself, but to roll that one in [on the fourth hole] was nice, and to play the last few holes the way we did was really nice too.”
Rory McIlroy reacts to a chip onto the ninth green
Rai and Lipsky held a one-shot lead heading into the 18th hole when Lipsky hit a wild hook that landed out of play.
Lipsky was able to make a bogey putt that helped the team retain a share of the lead.
“It was nice for me to make that putt after I double-crossed that drive off the tee,” Lipsky said, “That was wasn’t fun, I’ll be honest.”
Cantlay and Schauffele had the best round of the day with a 67. They were tied for the lead heading into 18th but Cantlay’s tee shot found the water, leading to a bogey.
McIlroy congratulates team-mate Shane Lowry after finishing the day in a share of the lead
Record crowds turned out for the first two days, which tournament officials attributed to the presence of McIlroy, the world No 2 ranked who has been enjoying the city’s cuisine.
Earlier in the week, he admitted he was planning a quick visit to Bourbon Street in the city’s iconic French Quarter, but as of Friday that had not occurred.
“Maybe this afternoon could be the time,” he joked after his morning round.
Watch the Zurich Classic of New Orleans throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports. Early coverage continues on Saturday from 4pm on Sky Sports Golf, ahead of full coverage from 5.45pm.
Ad content | Stream Sky Sports on NOW
Stream Sky Sports live with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW. Instant access to live action from the Premier League, EFL, F1, England Cricket, Tennis and so much more
