Mcilroy And Lowry Maintain Lead In Zurich Classic

David Lipsky putts on the 17th green during the second round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry maintained a share of the lead in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans after shooting a 2-under 70 in alternate play on Friday. The Irish pair sits atop the leaderboard at 13-under 131 alongside the teams of Davis Thompson-Andrew Novak, Ryan Brehm-Mark Hubbard, and Aaron Rai-David Lipsky at TPC Louisiana. The tournament, which is the PGA Tour's only team event, will see the teams play best ball on Saturday and close with alternate shot on Sunday.

Following closely behind the leaders are several teams just one stroke back, including the defending champions Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. They are joined by Callum Tarren-David Skinns, Nick Taylor-Adam Hadwin, Zach Johnson-Ryan Palmer, Luke List-Henrik Norlander, and Corey Connors-Taylor Pendrith.

McIlroy and Lowry, who started strong with a best-ball 61 on Thursday, faced some challenges during Friday's round. Lowry struggled with his putting mid-round but managed to bounce back with crucial par-saving putts and a strong finish with consecutive birdies. McIlroy provided support and encouragement to his partner throughout the round.

Best ball play on Saturday, alternate shot on Sunday.

McIlroy and Lowry lead at 13-under alongside three other teams.

Cantlay and Schauffele one stroke behind the leaders.

Record crowds attend the tournament.

Lipsky's crucial bogey putt maintains the lead for his team.

McIlroy and Lowry faced challenges but finished strong.

Cantlay and Schauffele deliver the best round of the day.

McIlroy's presence draws significant interest.

Tournament features exciting golf action.

McIlroy yet to visit Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

In a dramatic turn of events, Rai and Lipsky held a one-shot lead heading into the 18th hole when Lipsky hit a wayward shot that landed out of play. Despite the setback, Lipsky managed to sink a crucial bogey putt to maintain a share of the lead.

Cantlay and Schauffele delivered the best round of the day with a 67, positioning themselves well within striking distance of the leaders. However, a water-bound tee shot on the 18th hole resulted in a bogey for Cantlay, preventing them from taking the outright lead.

The tournament has seen record crowds in attendance over the first two days, with McIlroy's presence drawing significant interest. The world's No. 2 ranked player has been enjoying the local cuisine but has yet to make a planned visit to Bourbon Street in the city's French Quarter.

As the competition heats up heading into the weekend rounds, fans can expect more thrilling golf action at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

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