McIlroy, Lowry win Zurich Classic in playoff

The Irish pair of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry rallied from behind to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans - the PGA TOUR's annual team event - in a playoff over Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer on Sunday.

McIlroy and Lowry settled for par on the first playoff hole, while Ramey and Trainer made bogey following a lengthy wait after shooting up the leaderboard with a final-round 63.

The duo soaked up the win in true Irish fashion afterward, with Rory stepping up to the mic to sing Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" in celebration.

It was the first time McIlroy, who hails from Northern Ireland, had ever played in the Zurich Classic. Lowry, a native of Ireland, had previously competed in the event four times: once when it was individual stroke play, twice with Padraig Harrington (now on PGA TOUR Champions), and once with Ian Poulter (now with LIV Golf).

Despite playing together in the Zurich Classic for the first time, McIlroy and Lowry have chemistry dating back to their successful Ryder Cup partnership. McIlroy said in March that he and Lowry decided to play the tournament together over a "drunken lunch" after winning the 2023 Ryder Cup.

"I nearly feel a little bit bad taking (the 400 FexEx Cup points for the victory) because Rory carried me a lot of the way," Lowry said after the round.

He added: "Anytime (Rory) wants to partner with me, I'll be happy to do so."

McIlroy and Lowry entered Sunday two strokes back of leaders Zac Blair and Patrick Fishburn. But a final-round 69 kept them in it, while Blair and Fishburn faltered with a 72.

Setup by McIlroy's superb chip, Lowry sank a birdie putt on the 18th hole to force the playoff against Ramey and Trainer.

The result is the 25th career PGA TOUR victory for McIlroy - tied for 23rd on the all-time list - and his 39th overall professional win. It's the third TOUR win for Lowry - his first since The Open in 2019 - and his seventh pro victory.