Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry share lead in team event at TPC of Louisiana

AVONDALE, La. (AP) — Rory McIlroy is enjoying his first visit to New Orleans — on and off the course.

McIlroy and Shane Lowry shot an 11-under 61 in fourball play Thursday for a share of the first-round lead in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the PGA Tour’s only team event.

The Irish duo shared the lead with the teams of Ryan Brehm-Mark Hubbard, Ben Kohles-Patton Kizzire and Aaron Rai-David Lipsky.

Davis Thompson-Andrew Novak, Thomas Detry-Robert MacIntyre and Cameron Champ-M.J. Daffue were at 62 Twenty teams were 9 under or better on a crowded leaderboard at TPC of Louisiana.

McIlroy’s introduction to New Orleans included a sampling of crab beignets from popular restaurant Le Petit Grocery on Wednesday night, a meal he shared with Lowry. On Thursday, they feasted on the Pete Dye layout, birdieing their first four holes.

“I’ve had a wonderful time so far,” McIlroy said. “I’ve only been here a couple of days but we’re staying downtown. It’s a cool city, great food scene.”