Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry Secure PGA New Orleans Team Victory in Thrilling Play-Off

In a dramatic turn of events, Rory McIlroy (34) and Shane Lowry (37) emerged triumphant at the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event on Sunday, clinching victory in a thrilling play-off against Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer.

Despite starting the day seven strokes behind, the USA-French duo of Ramey and Martin staged a remarkable comeback with a stellar nine-under par round of 63, propelling them to the top of the leaderboard.

With the pressure mounting, the final groups battled to reach the target score of 25-under, with only McIlroy and Lowry, former teammates on the Irish Olympic squad and in the Ryder Cup, managing to achieve this feat.

Following a missed par putt by Lowry on the 17th, the Irish pair knew they needed a birdie on the 18th to force a play-off and equal the clubhouse leaders’ score.

Displaying their exceptional skills under pressure, McIlroy expertly drove down the fairway, setting the stage for a crucial approach shot by Lowry. McIlroy then delivered a superb chip, leaving Lowry with a straightforward five-footer for birdie.

As Ramey and Trainer awaited their fate after being off the course for three hours, the pressure was palpable on the first play-off hole, the 18th.

Despite Trainer’s valiant efforts, Ramey’s errant 3-wood shot left them scrambling for par, while McIlroy and Lowry maintained their composure.

While Lowry’s approach found a greenside bunker, McIlroy’s precision ensured a chance for victory. Although Lowry narrowly missed his birdie putt, Trainer’s subsequent miss sealed the victory for the Irish duo.

Reflecting on their win, McIlroy expressed his elation, remarking on the incredible support from the New Orleans crowds and the joy of clinching victory alongside Lowry.

The victory marked McIlroy’s 25th on the PGA Tour and Lowry’s third, a significant milestone for both players. Lowry, acknowledging McIlroy’s contributions, humorously remarked on their shared success and the valuable boost in FedEx Cup standings.

In third place, the American pair of Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard narrowly missed out on the title, while overnight leaders Zac Blair and Patrick Fishburn settled for a tied fourth position after a costly double bogey dashed their hopes of victory.