What is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans?

Why did Shane Lowry team up with Brooks Koepka at the Zurich Classic?

Last updated: April 28, 2026

Shane Lowry needed a partner after Rory McIlroy withdrew from the event, and he asked Brooks Koepka during a golf round at Grove XXIII club in South Florida.

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How the partnership began	Lowry and Koepka played a round together at Grove XXIII and Lowry asked Koepka if he needed a partner for New Orleans
Reason for change	Rory McIlroy bowed out of the 2026 Zurich Classic after playing with Lowry in the previous two editions (winning together in 2024)
Koepka's motivation	Koepka needed starts to improve his FedEx Cup points status after returning from LIV Golf to the PGA Tour in January
Prior relationship	Lowry and Koepka first met in 2012-13 when Koepka was on the DP World Tour; Lowry also knows Koepka's caddie Ricky Elliott
Tournament format	Self-selected two-man teams competing in four-ball and foursomes format at TPC Louisiana
Partnership outcome	Lowry and Koepka missed the cut by one shot, finishing at 9-under par while the cutline was at 10-under

How the Partnership Came Together

Shane Lowry approached Brooks Koepka about teaming up after playing a casual round of golf together at Grove XXIII, an exclusive club in the Jupiter Island area of South Florida where many professional golfers gather. Lowry said to Koepka, 'I might need a partner for New Orleans,' and Koepka responded positively. The two had previous interactions through text and in-person confirmations over several weeks before Lowry finally got a firm commitment from Koepka when they ran into each other and discussed competing at the Zurich Classic.

Why Lowry Needed a New Partner

Lowry had won the Zurich Classic in 2024 with Rory McIlroy, playing together in the previous two editions of the event. However, for the 2026 edition, McIlroy withdrew from the tournament, leaving Lowry without a partner. This forced Lowry to search for an alternative teammate on short notice.

Koepka's Motivation to Play

Brooks Koepka returned to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf in January 2026 but lacked the necessary FedEx Cup points to qualify for Signature Events. Pairing with Lowry at the Zurich Classic provided Koepka an opportunity to gain important starts and improve his status on the tour.

Existing Connection Between Players

Lowry and Koepka's relationship extended beyond casual tour interactions. They first met in 2012 and 2013 when Koepka was competing on the DP World Tour. Additionally, Lowry had a longer relationship with Koepka's caddie Ricky Elliott, who is from Portrush and congratulated Lowry after his 2019 Open Championship victory at Portrush.

Partnership Performance

Despite appearing on paper as a good fit given Lowry's accurate tee shots and Koepka's exceptional iron play, the partnership fell short at the tournament. They shot 6-under in round one and 3-under in round two for a total of 9-under par through 36 holes, missing the cut by one shot as the cutline came at 10-under.