The Masters sits just over a week away, but Rory McIlroy is already making headlines with something he won’t be doing this season.
McIlroy became the sixth man in golf history to win the grand slam, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, after winning the Masters in 2025. The Northern Irishman took down longtime friend Justin Rose in a playoff to win his first Green Jacket and is the second favorite to repeat this year behind only Scottie Scheffler.
However, before the tournament tees off, McIlroy opted against playing in a notable tournament: the Zurich Classic.
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The Zurich Classic is the only tournament during the PGA Tour’s season that sees golfers team up. In a sport that celebrates its individuality, McIlroy and longtime friend Shane Lowry became a dynamic duo in the event, winning back in 2024 before finishing tied for 12th in 2025.
The two won’t be teaming up this time around, though. In a surprise twist, Lowry is teaming up with Brooks Koepka, which likely indicates McIlroy won’t be competing for the first time in three years.
“Major Star Power is coming to New Orleans! 2024 Zurich Classic champion Shane Lowry will team up with five time major winner Brooks Koepka at this year‘s event!” the event said.
Koepka was welcomed back to the PGA Tour this season after leaving for the LIV Golf league upon its inception. Both he and Lowry will be competing against McIlroy at the Masters, which tees off on April 9.
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