Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry share Zurich lead, having fun with New Orleans

AVONDALE, La. — Rory McIlroy is having fun with his first go to to New Orleans — on and off the course.

McIlroy and Shane Lowry shot an 11-under 61 in fourball play Thursday for a share of the first-round lead within the Zurich Traditional of New Orleans, the PGA Tour’s solely crew occasion.

The Irish duo shared the lead with the groups of Ryan Brehm-Mark Hubbard, Ben Kohles-Patton Kizzire and Aaron Rai-David Lipsky.

Davis Thompson-Andrew Novak, Thomas Detry-Robert MacIntyre and Cameron Champ-M.J. Daffue had been at 62 Twenty groups had been 9 beneath or higher on a crowded leaderboard at TPC of Louisiana.

McIlroy’s introduction to New Orleans included a sampling of crab beignets from common restaurant Le Petit Grocery on Wednesday evening, a meal he shared with Lowry. On Thursday, they feasted on the Pete Dye format, birdieing their first 4 holes.

“I’ve had a beautiful time thus far,” McIlroy stated. “I’ve solely been right here a few days however we’re staying downtown. It’s a cool metropolis, nice meals scene.”

McIlroy had the crew’s first three birdies, though on the par-5 second Lowry was inches away however watched as his teammate knocked in a putt of about 4 ft. After a pair of pedestrian pars, they birdied 4 of the subsequent six holes earlier than closing out with a birdie on the par-5 18th to achieve a share of the lead.

“We each performed good golf,” Lowry stated, emphasizing the significance getting off to a quick begin. “We each made some good birdies and contributed to the crew, and I feel we’re very proud of the day.”

Brehm and Hubbard mirrored McIlroy and Lowry with 4 opening birdies. The crew made the flip in 6-under par 30 and bookended birdies on the tenth and eleventh and seventeenth and 18th holes on the again 9.

“Identical to regular, we ham-and-egged it,” Brehm stated. “I don’t assume both of us had been feeling wonderful about our video games coming into the day, however we simply feed off one another very well. “I used to be doing numerous spectating at this time.”

Russ Cochran, the oldest participant within the subject at 65, made his first PGA Tour star since 2013, teaming with Eric Cole for a 69 that left them tied for 73rd. Cochran’s son, Reed Cochran, is Cole’s caddie. Cole had a hole-in-one on No. 14.

On Friday, they’ll play different shot.

“Wanting ahead to getting out in foursomes tomorrow,” Lowry stated. “It’s a format that’s harder, however it’s an gratifying format.

McIlroy was noncommittal Thursday when requested if he and Lowry would attend the favored New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Competition on Friday afternoon. The duo have an 8:53 a.m. tee time Friday.

“Who’s enjoying tomorrow evening, are you aware?” McIlroy requested his good pal.

“No, I’m not going out anyplace,” Lowry stated with amusing. “I’m staying out of bother.”

Jazz Fest however, McIlroy joked he hopes the pairing has a late tee time Saturday, that means they are going to be near the lead.