Rory McIlroy has decided not to play alongside his close friend Shane Lowry
09:49, 23 Apr 2026Updated 09:51, 23 Apr 2026
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry (Image: David Cannon/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy turned down the opportunity to partner Shane Lowry and compete at the Zurich Classic this weekend. The Holywood man had teamed up with his close mate for the past two years in the pairs event, claiming victory in 2024.
This year, however, McIlroy has chosen to reduce his PGA Tour schedule. He’s concentrating more heavily on the majors, a strategy that paid dividends when he successfully defended his Masters title at Augusta National earlier this month.
With McIlroy pulling out, Lowry was left searching for a fresh partner as he attempts to win back the silverware. The Offaly man has joined forces with Brooks Koepka, who hasn’t competed in the tournament since 2019.
McIlroy had also mentioned a back problem in the lead-up to his Masters defence. He said: “Happy I got through four days and my body feels good.
“I feel like my game sort of progressively got a little bit better as the week went on, even though the scores probably didn’t reflect it over the weekend. I hit the ball well. I just didn’t make anything on the greens. Happy to come through four rounds and feel like my body held up well.”
McIlroy edged out Scottie Scheffler by a single shot to keep hold of his Green Jacket and claim his second major on the bounce. While the celebrations were presumably just as wild as they were in 2025, Lowry chose not to join his pal in the festivities.
The 39-year-old entered the final day just two strokes behind the leader and within reach of claiming his maiden Masters title. Unfortunately, Lowry posted an 80, causing him to slip down the rankings and finish in a tie for 30th place.
Lowry confessed he was feeling “a bit down” following his disappointing finish and informed McIlroy that he wouldn’t be arriving with drinks for any celebrations. When questioned about joining the champion, Lowry responded: “I wasn’t.
“Obviously, the stories from last year, going round his house with a case of wine and all that. I text him Sunday night and just said, ‘Honestly, I’m so happy for you, but I don’t have it in me tonight to come over and celebrate.’
“I was just feeling a bit down, dejected a little bit, so I just stayed at home with my crew. I’ll see him in a couple of weeks in Florida.”
Looking back on his Augusta showing, Lowry continued: “I woke up this morning and thought Thursday had come round pretty quick this week. It’s been a tough few days. I feel like I played a lot of good golf last week and got really nothing out of it.”
“It’s hard to do that when you’ve prepared so much for a tournament like that and perform as good as I did for a few days, but I’m trying to take as many positives as I can.”