Alright so last week I was scrolling through my phone trying to find what golf tournaments were happening. Saw that Zurich Classic thing coming up. Thought huh, team golf? Usually it’s every man for himself but this one’s different. Grabbed a cold drink and planted myself on the couch Thursday morning.
Started tracking teams live while flipping channels. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry popped up on screen first. Remember thinking these two look like buddies just having fun out there. McIlroy drilling 300-yard drives like it’s nothing, Lowry doing fancy short game stuff. Seemed like a good combo actually.
The Drama Unfolds
Come Sunday I’m practically glued to the TV. Those two were trailing then suddenly they’re -1 through 5 holes? Wild shift. Saw McIlroy sink a crazy birdie putt on 16th – dude pumped his fist so hard I nearly spilled my drink. But then on 18th hole things got messy.
- That tee shot by Lowry looked like it might go OB at first
- McIlroy had to hack it out of some nasty rough
- Thought for sure they’d blown it after the bogey
Meanwhile other teams were collapsing left and right. Cantlay dropped one in the water, Theegala hit into bushes. Total meltdown city while the Irish lads kept it together.
The winning moment was absolute chaos. McIlroy celebrating like he’d won a major, hugging everyone including Lowry’s family. Commentator screamed “THE IRISH EYES ARE SMILING!” which was cringe but kinda fit the moment.
Aftermath was interesting. Checked leaderboards Monday morning – turns out they won by one stroke with that crazy 25-under score. People were arguing online whether it was skill or luck. Honestly? Felt like both. You need skill to be in contention but need luck when others choke.
Whole experience taught me team golf is way more dramatic than solo tournaments. Seeing them fist-bump after shots, discuss every club choice – makes you appreciate the partnership. Might actually book New Orleans trip next year to see it live.
Funny side note: Tried explaining the playoff rules to my wife during dinner. Got so passionate waving my fork around that I dropped mashed potatoes on the dog. Still cleaning that mess up.
