Shane Lowry has revealed he was turned down by up to 12 golfers before eventually teaming up with Brooks Koepka for the Zurich Classic, after Rory McIlroy decided to skip the tournament. The £7.1 million ($9.5 million) event in New Orleans saw McIlroy and Lowry win as a duo in 2024, but the Northern Irishman informed Lowry of his intention to rest following his Masters victory.
Speaking to The Golf Channel, Lowry explained: 'I asked about 10 or 12 other guys first and they all said no. Rory quickly said after last year, I don't think he wanted to come back.' He added that he began seeking a new partner at the end of the year and approached Koepka after Christmas at a practice facility in Florida.
Lowry noted the irony that McIlroy was present when he pitched the partnership to Koepka. The five-time major winner confirmed: 'I remember it. He was actually sitting at a table with Rory when he asked me.' Koepka initially was uncertain about his schedule but eventually agreed to join forces with the Irishman.
The unlikely pairing, given their contrasting personalities, failed to make the cut in New Orleans, playing alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick. Despite the early exit, Lowry remained positive, stating: 'On the outside, it might not look like it makes sense, but to us it does.'
Lowry, who secured his second Masters title earlier this month, joked about the calibre of his partner, saying: 'You have to have multiple majors to be able to team up with me in this tournament.' Koepka, known for his intense demeanour, welcomed the opportunity to play with the cheerful Irishman.
