Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will defend their Zurich Classic of New Orleans title this week, and the genesis of their 2024 victory is a "drunken lunch" with Michael Jordan to mark Europe's Ryder Cup victory.

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans switches to the foursomes (alternate-shot) format for the second round. Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will go out at 12:49 p.m. local time alongside Billy Horschel and Tom Hoge.

After a disappointing Masters finish, Shane Lowry rebounded in expected fashion last week at Harbour Town. A T18 isn't a bad week after the emotions of playing for a green jacket, although losing strokes on approach (-0.