Rory McIlroy has opted to miss the Zurich Classic of New Orleans this weekend for the first time in three years, ending his partnership with close friend Shane Lowry at the popular team event. McIlroy, 36, and Lowry, 39, have teamed up at TPC Louisiana in Avondale for the past two years, claiming the trophy in 2024 during their inaugural year together.
That year was also the six-time Major winner's debut appearance in the tournament, before finishing T12th in 2025. Since the end of the 2024 season, McIlroy has been reducing his tournament schedule. As a result, the Zurich Classic has now become a victim of this streamlined diary, after it emerged Lowry would be pairing up with Brooks Koepka this year instead, though the duo ultimately missed the cut. Given Lowry's most recent PGA Tour triumph came alongside McIlroy at the Zurich Classic two years ago, this represents a significant setback for the Irishman, who has already suffered a difficult 2026 campaign.
What will probably hurt most, however, is the absence of his closest pal by his side at TPC Louisiana this week. The partnership was conceived during a "drunken lunch" the pair enjoyed back in Florida following the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, according to the Irish Star. "Very excited," McIlroy told Golf.com in 2024 before making his inaugural appearance in the Zurich Classic. "I asked him [Lowry]. We had this really drunken lunch the week after the Ryder Cup last year. I said to him, 'Do you want to play Zurich together?' We're like, 'Yeah.'"
As it turned out, McIlroy and Lowry kept their promise, and their partnership began brilliantly as they defeated Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer in a play-off to secure victory in 2024. What came next was an unforgettable celebration featuring karaoke on stage, as McIlroy channelled his inner rock star by performing Journey's iconic hit "Don't Stop Believing" before showcasing his lively party energy by necking a beer in front of the audience. It proved a particularly meaningful win for Lowry, representing his first PGA Tour success since claiming the Open Championship in 2019, while also bringing McIlroy's nine-month winless streak on the tour to an end.
The impressive duo couldn't replicate the same success 12 months later, finishing tied for 12th place and coming up six strokes behind winners Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin, though McIlroy still maintained it had been "a fun week." Last year's tournament came just a fortnight after McIlroy magnificently completed the Career Grand Slam by securing the Masters at Augusta National, where he narrowly defeated Justin Rose in a thrilling play-off to claim his full collection of Major titles.
Prior to teeing off at TPC Louisiana alongside the world number two, Lowry had voiced his surprise at McIlroy's willingness to compete in New Orleans, but on this occasion, their two-year stint at the event has now drawn to a close. Given the back injury that hindered his preparations for defending his title at Augusta National earlier this month, it makes perfect sense for McIlroy to take a fortnight's break following the Masters and ensure he feels refreshed ahead of a gruelling three-week spell that culminates with the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club next month.
