McIlroy and Lowry had classic moment at Zurich | Golf News

Rory McIlroy could also be absent from this 12 months’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, but his rendition of Journey’s iconic hit Don’t Stop Believin’ will eternally be etched in match historical past.

Having turn out to be the fourth participant to efficiently defend the Masters title, McIlroy is taking a temporary hiatus from golf and at present has no scheduled appearances until next month’s PGA Championship. In the meantime, McIlroy has been having fun with quiet moments with his spouse, Erica Stoll, despite shedding $1.9 million of his Masters prize money to taxes.

Stoll and McIlroy have also made a cameo look in The Devil Wears Prada 2, as the golf star continues to develop his Hollywood portfolio following his look in Happy Gilmore 2. Judging by his efficiency at the 2024 Zurich Classic, McIlroy could nicely have a natural aptitude for the performing arts.

McIlroy ended his 11-year major drought last 12 months at the Masters, before efficiently defending the Green Jacket this 12 months. Yet while he has finally conquered that milestone, the Zurich Classic two years in the past could have confirmed to be a pivotal moment in his journey.

The Northern Irish golfer completed over par at the 2024 Masters before struggling at the next RBC Heritage, with his frustration plain to see. McIlroy then staged an spectacular comeback, claiming victory at the Zurich Classic alongside close pal Shane Lowry, studies The Mirror US.

McIlroy and Lowry posted a 25-under 263 to defeat Martin Trainer and Chad Ramey in a playoff, and celebrated in model. A video of McIlroy entertaining followers with a spirited efficiency of Don’t Stop Believin’ went viral at TPC Louisiana, beer in hand as he took heart stage. “To win any PGA Tour event is really cool, but to do it with one of your closest friends … it’s just awesome,” McIlroy told reporters at the time. Lowry stood alongside McIlroy during the efficiency and quipped on X in response to the video: “Couldn’t get a word in.”

With McIlroy opting to sit out the Zurich Classic this 12 months, Lowry was left to search a new associate. Brooks Koepka emerged as an apparent candidate for Lowry following his return to the PGA Tour after departing LIV Golf.

“Well, I’m playing, and obviously, my partner from the last two years told me that he wasn’t going to play,” Lowry said on Sirius XM Radio. “And I’ve known Brooks a while, and I’m friendly with Ricky Elliott, his caddie.

“So I said to Rickie, I form of knew Brooks was going to have to play because he wasn’t in many of the signature occasions. And I said, ‘Do you assume Brooks will play?’ We’re both Srixon gamers, it form of suits a little bit. And he is clearly a superb participant, and I would like to go and win.” Lowry later added, “He’s Brooks Koepka. He’s acquired 5 majors. You know what I imply?”

The sentiment was shared, with Koepka equally enthusiastic about teaming up with Lowry. “I like the best way we’re going with him hitting off sure holes and me hitting off the other holes,” Koepka said. “It’s those that go well with my eye, and I feel those that go well with his.

“I think that’s a huge advantage. Everybody feels comfortable on the holes that we’re going to play. Then the best ball side of this whole thing, he’s been playing great, so just let him go do him and stay out of the way.”