Story perspectives

Shane Lowry Teams with Brooks Koepka at Zurich Classic.

4/26/2026

Summary

Lowry Partners Koepka

Shane Lowry will partner with Brooks Koepka at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans after Rory McIlroy withdrew.
The Zurich Classic this year carries a prize pool of £7.1 million ($9.5 million).
Lowry said he asked about 10-12 other golfers to be his partner, all of whom declined before he met Koepka in Florida after Christmas.
The partner change was confirmed in front of McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion.

Summary

Lowry Teams Koepka

Their team missed the cut at the Zurich Classic after playing with Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick.
Brooks Koepka recalled Cameron Lowry asking him to partner while seated with Rory McIlroy in December or January, noting schedule uncertainty.
Koepka described Lowry as a perpetual grin-wearer, contrasting with his own intense demeanor.
Lowry said the partnership felt a good relationship on the course and expressed optimism about having fun together despite its rocky start.

History

Historical Context

When the PGA Tour introduced the Zurich Classic’s two-man team format in 2017, it did so at TPC Louisiana—a Pete Dye-designed course that opened in 2004 and now hosts the event. The inaugural tournament offered a $2 million purse, with 48 players competing for a $1 million winning share, establishing a tradition of fluid pairings that continues today.

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Lowry Partners Koepka

Shane Lowry will partner with Brooks Koepka at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans after Rory McIlroy withdrew.
The Zurich Classic this year carries a prize pool of £7.1 million ($9.5 million).
Lowry said he asked about 10-12 other golfers to be his partner, all of whom declined before he met Koepka in Florida after Christmas.
The partner change was confirmed in front of McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion.

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