Shane Lowry shows true character as restaurant incident attributed to Rory McIlroy

Shane Lowry has admitted even he feels the effects of Rory McIlroy’s star power from time to time. Perhaps no more so than when the pair received a standing ovation after enjoying a “drunken lunch” together. Lowry, 37, is a big fan of the French restaurants located in New Orleans. The two golf icons decided to team up for this year’s Zurich Classic in the ‘Big Easy’ over drinks and subsequently won the title in Louisiana on their first attempt.

Despite his own standing on the PGA and European Tours, Lowry humbly acknowledged the applause they received upon exiting one such site was likely more for McIlroy. However, he attributed that response largely to one extravagant purchase by the former world No1. “It was fancy-ish, but not really. It was just off Bourbon Street,” Lowry, tolf the Fore Play podcast (via The Mirror) when asked at The Open where he enjoyed eating most in New Orleans. “We got a standing ovation leaving the restaurant; well, I was with Rory.”

When asked who the applause was for, he clarified: “It was for Rory. He did order a very expensive bottle of wine [laughs]. So yeah, that was probably it!” McIlroy, 35, has previously disclosed he was the one who proposed the partnership to Lowry after the latter’s usual colleague, Padraig Harrington, moved onto the Champions Tour. And the new pairing worked to devastating effect, as evidenced by their victory at the Zurich Classic.

Northern Irishman McIlroy is all set to support his southern neighbour from the sidelines as he vies for his second Open Championship at Royal Troon. Lowry’s hopes took a hit with a disappointing 77 on Saturday, however, dropping him from first to ninth place, yet he remains just three strokes off the pace going into Sunday. “I can’t wait to watch this weekend. He relishes these conditions,” McIlroy said of his good friend and playing partner before the championship rounds. “He gets more up for this than anything else. I’m looking forward to cheering him on and him hopefully getting his second Jug.”

Lowry previously won The Open back in 2019 at Portrush – his only major crown – with a six-stroke victory and has shown signs of repeating that commanding performance in Scotland. However, the setback on Saturday has cast some uncertainty over his chances of lifting the trophy once more.