McIlroy & Lowry win Zurich Classic title in play-off

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry clinched an exhilarating victory in a nail-biting playoff to seize the Zurich Classic of New Orleans crown. Their triumph wasn’t just about skill; it was a testament to their resilience under pressure, especially during the intense final moments of the fourth round.

Lowry’s remarkable chip onto the 18th green paved the way for a thrilling conclusion, as he calmly sank a crucial birdie putt to draw level with Martin Trainer and Chad Ramey at an impressive 25 under par. Trainer and Ramey had surged up the leaderboard earlier in the day with a stellar round of 63, but the playoff tension seemed to take its toll on their performance.

As the playoff unfolded, McIlroy and Lowry showcased their experience and composure, rising to the challenge with determination. Despite encountering obstacles, like Lowry finding himself in the sand with his second shot, they remained focused. In the end, it was a missed putt from Trainer that sealed the victory for the Irish duo, marking McIlroy’s 25th career PGA Tour win.

The celebrations were joyous as Lowry hoisted McIlroy in celebration on the 18th green. Their hard-fought triumph not only earned them 400 FedEx Cup points each but also a substantial purse of $1.268 million (£1.14 million) per player.

Reflecting on their win, McIlroy expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the fans throughout the tournament, highlighting the sheer pleasure they derived from competing. Lowry echoed these sentiments, acknowledging McIlroy’s pivotal role in their shared success and expressing gratitude for the invaluable FedEx Cup points they secured.

In summary, McIlroy and Lowry’s victory was an unforgettable display of their talent and teamwork on the grand stage of the PGA Tour, leaving a lasting impression on golf enthusiasts worldwide.