Shane Lowry found himself searching for a new partner for the Zurich Classic after Rory McIlroy withdrew from the event. McIlroy, who had teamed up with Lowry for the previous two years, including their victory in 2024, decided to skip the tournament to recuperate after his efforts in Georgia. The Zurich Classic in New Orleans boasts prize money of £7.1million this year.
Lowry’s Search and Koepka’s Agreement
Lowry revealed that he asked around ten to twelve golfers to partner him before ultimately reaching an agreement with Brooks Koepka. Speaking to The Golf Channel, Lowry explained his predicament after McIlroy’s withdrawal. “I asked about 10 or 12 other guys first and they all said no. Rory quickly said after last year, I don’t think he wanted to come back.”
Lowry described how the partnership with Koepka came about. “I met Brooks down in Florida at a place where we both practice just after Christmas and mentioned that I might need a partner for New Orleans.”
Koepka was receptive to the idea. “He said he’d be up for it and it kind of went from there. I said it to his caddy, Ricky [Elliott], a couple of weeks later. Then I saw Brooks a few weeks after that and said, are we going to tee it up together? And he said yes. So, nice to be here.”
Lowry joked about the criteria for partnering with him in the tournament. “You have to have multiple majors to be able to team up with me in this tournament. It’s good that he said yes.”
McIlroy Present During the Proposition
The agreement between Lowry and Koepka occurred with McIlroy present. Lowry put the proposition to Koepka while McIlroy was sitting at the same table.
Koepka confirmed the story. “I remember it. He was actually sitting at a table with Rory when he asked me. I think it was either December or January. I forget what it was. It was around that time. I think at the time when he asked me, I wasn’t sure what my playing schedule was going to be.”
Koepka expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament. “I’m just happy to be here and happy to be a part of it. I’m thankful to have a good partner and we’ll see how the week goes.”
Contrasting Personalities Unite
Lowry acknowledged the seemingly unusual pairing, given their contrasting personalities. Koepka is known for his intense focus, while Lowry is often seen with a smile.
Lowry addressed the contrast. “On the outside, it might not look like it makes sense, but to us it does. I think the ball, everything about it, you know, we do have a good relationship and we’re going”
McIlroy’s decision to miss the tournament followed his second successive triumph at Augusta.