LAST UPDATE | 26 Apr
RORY McILROY AND Shane Lowry kept themselves in contention heading into the weekend at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans with a two-under par round of 70 today.
After shooting 61 in fourballs Thursday, the Irish pair knew that Friday was going to be more of a test.
Instead of having two balls in play and two chances to make a birdie, Friday’s foursomes format, with alternate shots, would put pressure on both players.
The two-under round of 70 moved Lowry and McIlroy to 13 under for the tournament and into a tie for the lead with David Lipsky and Aaron Rai, who also shot 70.
Callum Tarren and David Skinns shot 69 to finish at 12 under, as did Zach Johnson and Ryan Palmer, and Canada’s Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin also finished the day at 12 under.
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McIlroy and Lowry held a share of the lead on 11-under-par after the first round on Thursday.
The tournament features fourball formats in the first and third rounds with alternate shot for the second and final rounds.
With a field lacking many of the tour’s biggest names — world number one Scottie Scheffler is among the top players missing — the two major winners and Ryder Cup Europe players have added some much needed star power.
McIlroy is making his debut in the tournament and said beforehand he is relishing the chance to make a push for a win with a team-mate he knows well.
“I don’t know if I knew what to expect. I’ve watched this tournament a little bit over the years on TV, heard some good things from some of the players. It’s nice to come here, team up with a really good friend, and if we play a good round tomorrow, it’ll be awesome to be in contention for the weekend and try to get a win on the PGA TOUR with a friend beside me. Looking forward to it,” he said.
