Sports
Rory McIlroy left in stitches after decision from Zurich Classic event organisers
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry were greeted with a familiar tune as they stepped onto the first tee box in New Orleans on Saturday.
Organisers of the Zurich Classic blasted Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin” through the loudspeakers, a nod to the duo’s celebrations after winning the tournament last year.
The 1981 anthem left the pair in fits of laughter, no doubt recalling their boozy karaoke session following their playoff victory over Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer last April.
McIlroy and Lowry are now attempting to defend their title at TPC Louisiana.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry were greeted with a familiar tune as they stepped onto the first tee box in New Orleans on Saturday
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The pair remain firmly in contention heading into Sunday’s final round.
They start the final day at 22-under-par following Saturday’s impressive round of 61.
Lowry eagled the par-five seventh hole as the Irish stars picked up six shots on the outward nine.
They added four more birdies on the back nine to continue their charge up the leaderboard.
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Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have battled their way back into contention at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans
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The defending champions did drop a shot on the 17th hole.
However, McIlroy quickly made amends with a spectacular 30-foot eagle at the last hole.
That final eagle came after players had endured a 90-minute delay due to lightning in the area.
Americans Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin currently lead the tournament at 27-under-par, meaning McIlroy and Lowry will need to make up a five-shot deficit if they are to successfully defend their title.
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Sunday’s finale is set to be a hectic and exciting race to the finish line.
The format switches back to foursomes for the final round, adding another layer of complexity to the competition.
This alternate-shot format, where team-mates take turns playing the same ball, typically produces both mistakes and moments of brilliance.
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The format change for Sunday’s final round marks a significant shift in strategy for all teams.
Rounds 1 and 3 were played as fourballs, where each player uses their own ball and the team takes the lowest score.
Sunday’s finale, like Friday’s second round, features the more challenging foursomes format.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will attempt to hunt down Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans
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This requires teammates to alternate shots using the same ball throughout each hole.
“I was pretty happy to have Rory go out and eagle the last there,” said Lowry after their round.
“It makes dinner taste nicer and kind of puts us in a great position going into tomorrow.”