Rory McIlroy is enjoying his first visit to New Orleans 바카라 on and off the course. (More Sports News)
McIlroy and Shane Lowry shot an 11-under 61 in fourball play Thursday for a share of the first-round lead in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the PGA Tour's only team event.
The Irish duo shared the lead with the teams of Ryan Brehm-Mark Hubbard, Ben Kohles-Patton Kizzire and Aaron Rai-David Lipsky.
Davis Thompson-Andrew Novak, Thomas Detry-Robert MacIntyre and Cameron Champ-M.J. Daffue were at 62 Twenty teams were 9 under or better on a crowded leaderboard at TPC of Louisiana.
McIlroy's introduction to New Orleans included a sampling of crab beignets from popular restaurant La Petite Grocery on Wednesday night, a meal he shared with Lowry. On Thursday, they feasted on the Pete Dye layout, birdieing their first four holes.
바카라I've had a wonderful time so far,바카라 McIlroy said. 바카라I've only been here a couple of days but we're staying downtown. It's a cool city, great food scene."
McIlroy had the team's first three birdies, although on the par-5 second Lowry was inches away but watched as his teammate knocked in a putt of about 4 feet. After a pair of pedestrian pars, they birdied four of the next six holes before closing out with a birdie on the par-5 18th to gain a share of the lead.
바카라We both played nice golf,바카라 Lowry said, emphasizing the importance getting off to a fast start. 바카라We both made some nice birdies and contributed to the team, and I think we're very happy with the day.바카라
Brehm and Hubbard mirrored McIlroy and Lowry with four opening birdies. The team made the turn in 6-under par 30 and bookended birdies on the 10th and 11th and 17th and 18th holes on the back nine.
바카라Just like usual, we ham-and-egged it,바카라 Brehm said. 바카라I don't think either of us were feeling amazing about our games coming into the day, but we just feed off each other really well. 바카라I was doing a lot of spectating today.바카라
Russ Cochran, the oldest player in the field at 65, made his first PGA Tour star since 2013, teaming with Eric Cole for a 69 that left them tied for 73rd. Cochran's son, Reed Cochran, is Cole's caddie. Cole had a hole-in-one on No. 14.
On Friday, they will play alternative shot.
바카라Looking forward to getting out in foursomes tomorrow,바카라 Lowry said. 바카라It's a format that's tougher, but it is an enjoyable format.
McIlroy was noncommittal Thursday when asked if he and Lowry would attend the popular New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Friday afternoon. The duo have an 8:53 a.m. tee time Friday.
바카라Who's playing tomorrow night, do you know?바카라 McIlroy asked his good friend.
바카라No, I'm not going out anywhere,바카라 Lowry said with a laugh. 바카라I'm staying out of trouble.바카라
Jazz Fest notwithstanding, McIlroy joked he hopes the pairing has a late tee time Saturday, meaning they will be close to the lead.
