Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, two stalwarts of the European Ryder Cup team, have revealed a unique approach when they face off individually on the PGA Tour. Their camaraderie, honed over years of friendship and dating back to their early days on the Irish golfing circuits, was highlighted in Netflix’s latest season of ‘Full Swing’. The pair’s light-hearted companionship and their shared triumph at the 2021 Zurich Classic formed a key storyline of the second episode.
Even though their friendship is evident, McIlroy has opened up about the duo’s deliberate efforts to keep their competitive edge sharp during PGA Tour events. As both players compete individually, they avoid getting too comfortable, treating each match as a unique challenge.
This revelation came to light after McIlroy’s first round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Expressing his sentiments, the Northern Irishman stated, “Yeah, I think we both have to make a conscious effort to not make it too comfortable as well.” He further noted that being overly relaxed could be counterproductive. Despite the camaraderie, the focus remains on the game, especially on challenging days.
McIlroy’s performance at Bay Hill, where he is two-under after the first round, is a testament to his focus on the game. The challenging Florida track, known for its strong winds, thick rough, and firm greens, didn’t deter McIlroy who has six top-ten finishes in his last eight starts at Bay Hill. His track record also includes not finishing outside the top 25 during the same period.
Lowry, the 2019 Open Championship victor, is doing slightly better at three under. His knack for thriving in windy conditions held him in good stead during the first round. The leaderboard is currently led by Wyndham Clark at five under, with USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and Lowry both three under.
The relationship between McIlroy and Lowry, as seen on Netflix’s ‘Full Swing’, underscores the fine balance between friendship and competitiveness in the world of professional golf. Their shared experiences, from Lowry’s victory at the Irish Open in 2009 to their recent win at the Zurich Classic, have shaped their friendship. However, when it comes to the PGA Tour, the pair makes a conscious effort to maintain the competitive spirit of the game.