During and off the course, Rory McIlroy is having a great time in New Orleans for his first visit.
In Four-ball play on Thursday, McIlroy and Shane Lowry shared the lead after round 1 of the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, the only team event on the PGA TOUR. They recorded an 11-under 61.
The pairs of Aaron Rai and David Lipsky, Ben Kohles and Patton Kizzire, and Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard all shared the lead with the Irish pair.
At 62 were Cameron Champ-M.J. Daffue, Thomas Detry-Robert MacIntyre, and Davis Thompson-Andrew Novak. At TPC Louisiana, 20 teams were 9 under or better on a congested leaderboard.
On Wednesday night, McIlroy and Lowry had dinner at the well-known Le Petit Grocery, where he tried some crab beignets for the first time. They pampered themselves on the Pete Dye layout on Thursday, birdieing their first four holes.
“So far, I’ve had an amazing experience. Though we’ve only been here for a few days, we’re staying in the downtown area. Great culinary scene and nice city.” McIlroy said.
The team’s first three birdies came from McIlroy, however Lowry missed a putt that would have been approximately four feet away on the second par-5. They shared the lead with a birdie on the par-5 18th hole, capping a run of two sluggish pars with four more birdies in the following six holes.
“Both of us had good golf games. I believe we’re both quite pleased with the day since we both had some excellent birdies and helped the team out.” Lowry stated, stressing how crucial it is to get out to a quick start.
Brehm and Hubbard opened with four birdies, matching McIlroy and Lowry’s total. The group turned in a 6-under-30 round, with birdies on holes 10 , 11 and 16–17 , 18 bookending the turn.
“As usual, we gave it a ham-and-egg. We just complement each other so nicely that I doubt either of us had great intentions going into the day. Today, I watched a lot of games.” stated Brehm.
At 65 years old, Russ Cochran is the oldest player in the tournament. He made his first appearance on the PGA TOUR since 2013, sharing the lead with Eric Cole when they shot 69 to tie for 73rd. Cole’s caddy is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son. At hole No. 14, Cole hit a hole-in-one.
The field will host Foursomes (alternative shot) on Friday.
“Anticipating going out in foursomes tomorrow. Although the format is more difficult, it is still enjoyable.” Lowry said.
When asked if he and Lowry will visit the well-liked New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Friday afternoon, McIlroy remained reticent on Thursday. The pair’s Friday tee time is 8:53 a.m.
“No, I’m not leaving the house. I’m trying to avoid trouble.” Lowry chuckled as he spoke.
Despite the Jazz Fest, McIlroy made a joke about hoping the pair tees off late on Saturday, so they’ll be near the lead.
