The Irish Triumph in New Orleans
The Irish duo of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry triumphed on Sunday in New Orleans, winning the Zurich Classic in a playoff. The two friends battled from behind in the final round before making a par on the first playoff hole to outlast Martin Trainer and Chad Ramey. But, the overarching question is, can the team aspect of the tournament be moulded into a successful element of the annual Tour schedule?
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It was Rory McIlroy’s first appearance in the event and ended up being the week that he secured his 25th PGA Tour win. Some may say It has an asterisk next to it because it is a pairs event, but a win is a win.
The Intriguing Format
It was the Northern Irishman‘s fourth tournament in as many weeks, making it somewhat puzzling as to why he wanted to play in this event so badly. But it was visible to see him thoroughly enjoying playing alongside his friend in Lowry all week. They seemed to not be taking it too seriously, whilst also playing some outstanding golf.
The format of the Zurich works so the first and third round is fourball, with the second and last being foursomes. The Fourball format is where the pros can go low, whereas the foursomes offer a different prospect. Especially with the wind picking up on the last day, it made for decent viewing down the stretch. Rory and Shane got on a heater on the back nine, birdieing the par-five 18th to tie the lead; a par was good enough to win the playoff.
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Rory’s surprise celebratory sing-song
Things took a peculiar but amusing turn post-round on Sunday with the winning pair doing karaoke on stage, mic in one hand, beer in the other. It was a pure moment of joy and a moment where Rory McIlroy eliminated any internal stresses and let go. His rendition of ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ was to be admired, but the general takeaways of the ordeal carried much more weight. McIlroy has had a tough time of late, and to see him singing his heart out to a classic, perhaps took the golfing world by surprise. But it also reaffirmed everyone’s endearment for one of the generation’s greats.
European Presence
The Irish pair played together at last year’s Ryder Cup in Rome. They must have enjoyed each other’s company so much that they bookmarked to play in New Orleans to get another taste of that team golf aspect. It is the only week in the Tour schedule that has that team aspect, something that fans love to see.
But the lack of players at the top of the rankings participating diminishes the product to a degree. This poses the argument, should the Tour lean into team golf more? Almost certainly, and McIlroy and Lowry winning last week demonstrates the unique offering that playing with someone else evokes. The tandem will be back next year to defend their title, and hopefully, others look at this week and feel the desire to compete.
Sure, the timing of the schedule is tough. With The Masters followed by an elevated event, it perhaps turns many away, prioritising rest instead. But the Tour has to try and incorporate a team golf event that everyone wants to play in into the schedule. It is a popular viewing prospect that golf fans are starved of. The Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup do of course, but it is different and authentic. It needs to be something that Commissioner Jay Monahan leans into in whatever the future holds.
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There was a strong European presence in Louisiana. The Hojgaard twins, the Fitzpatrick twins and McIntrye and Detry all played together. It perhaps speaks to recent European dominance in the Ryder Cup. They seemingly embrace the team environment and thrive on having a teammate. Golf is predominantly an individual sport, so to be able to have that team element is something that golfers are not used to. But the Europeans seem to relish the opportunity and gel so well together. Luke DONlsd has to be excited about his prospects for Bethpage Black next Autumn.
How can team golf be utilised?
LIV Golf has attempted to personify the perfect way to include team golf in conjunction with an individual competition. But there are still many ways it could be improved. It can be quite hard to keep track of all the different teams and names and who is on what team. There are also no criteria for gaining and losing players.
A draft-style selection would be compelling and if top players are choosing their teams, it seems plausible that they would be more likely to be involved and invested in the team element. The foundations are there, and team golf appears to be widely supported.
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But we are a long way off team golf being an effective component of professional golf, on either the PGA Tour or LIV Golf. But it has promise for the future, whatever happens with the alliance.
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Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy embodied the pros of team golf last week at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Highlighting why it is a necessity for golf to prioritise this format, in some shape or form, in the future.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Source : Can Team Golf Thrive in the Future of Professional Golf?
