Shane Lowry had no issue revealing truth behind famous Rory McIlroy incident
In a recent episode of the Fore Play podcast, Shane Lowry shed light on a memorable experience involving himself and Rory McIlroy, especially highlighting a humorous incident that took place in New Orleans. The two golf stars, who had partnered up for the Zurich Classic earlier this year, enjoyed a significant victory on their debut as a pair, a feat that added to the growing camaraderie between them.
The Zurich Classic saw Lowry and McIlroy emerging victorious in Louisiana, marking their first competition together as partners. Their success was not just limited to the golf course; it also translated into a lively and celebratory atmosphere off the course. Following their triumph, the duo chose to mark the occasion with a relaxed lunch in New Orleans, where they found themselves in the midst of an unexpected yet memorable experience.
Lowry recounted this particular lunch during an appearance on the Fore Play podcast, sharing that the experience was not just enjoyable but also uniquely notable. They visited a French restaurant located just off Bourbon Street, a place that Lowry described as “fancy-ish, but not really.” Despite the restaurant’s understated ambiance, the occasion was anything but ordinary for the two golfers.
As the story goes, after enjoying their meal, Lowry and McIlroy left the restaurant to a standing ovation from the diners. This enthusiastic reception was clearly a testament to McIlroy’s star power, as Lowry humorously noted, “It was for Rory. He did order a very expensive bottle of wine [laughs]. So yeah, that was probably it!”
Lowry’s acknowledgment of the ovation highlights the significant “Rory McIlroy effect” that often accompanies the Northern Irish golfer. Even in casual settings like this lunch, McIlroy’s presence seems to command a special kind of admiration and respect, something that is often seen at major golf events but occasionally makes its way into everyday experiences as well.
The successful pairing of Lowry and McIlroy was not an accident. McIlroy had previously disclosed that it was his own initiative to partner with Lowry for the Zurich Classic after his regular partner, Padraig Harrington, transitioned to the Champions Tour. This decision proved to be a successful one, as the duo managed to clinch the title on their first attempt together.
As the golf season progressed, McIlroy continued to show support for his fellow Irishman. He expressed his eagerness to watch Lowry in action at The Open Championship at Royal Troon, a venue that Lowry is known to excel in. McIlroy’s anticipation was evident as he stated, “I can’t wait to watch this weekend. He relishes these conditions. He gets more up for this than anything else. I’m looking forward to cheering him on and him hopefully getting his second Jug.”
This support comes amidst a challenging period for McIlroy. After missing the cut at Royal Troon, McIlroy’s major championship drought has now extended to nearly a decade. The difficulty of recent months has prompted McIlroy to consider taking a break from the sport, reflecting on a period of significant personal and professional challenges.
Overall, the story of Lowry and McIlroy’s post-tournament celebration in New Orleans adds a touch of humor and humanity to the often high-pressure world of professional golf. It serves as a reminder of the camaraderie and personal connections that persist even amidst the competitive and sometimes stressful environment of the sport.