Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry remain six shots off the lead at the halfway stage of the Zurich Classic after dropping three late shots in their second round in New Orleans.
The Irish pair, attempting to become the first team to defend the title successfully, began the day six strokes behind following their opening eight-under-par fourball round of 64. They appeared poised to close the gap after playing their first 12 holes on Friday in six under par in the foursomes format but stumbled with bogeys on their final two holes to card a 69.
American rookies Kevin Velo and Isaiah Salinda maintained their lead after also shooting a 69.
“We were six under through 12 and cruising, and then a bit of a bad finish, but I didn’t feel like we played that badly to have the finish that we did,” said McIlroy, competing for the first time since completing the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters two weeks ago. “A couple of loose shots here and there.”
McIlroy holed an 11-foot eagle putt on the second hole, and with four additional birdies, the Irish duo briefly climbed to a share of second place at 14 under after 12 holes. However, McIlroy missed the green with his approach on the 13th, costing them a stroke, and they dropped further shots on the final two holes when they failed to find the greens in regulation.
Saturday’s round will return to the four-ball format before Sunday’s foursomes finale.
“Tomorrow it will be hard to stay patient because in the four-ball format, you just have to try to make as many birdies as you can,” added the Masters champion.
Velo and Salinda lead fellow Americans Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak by one shot, with Danish twins Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard one stroke further back. English pair David Skinns and Ben Taylor share fifth place, four off the pace after firing a 67 on Friday, with their compatriot Aaron Rai and American Sahith Theegala one shot behind them.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre and his Belgian partner Thomas Detry share 16th place in the group that includes McIlroy and Lowry after posting a 69 on Friday.
The four-ball format has both players hitting their ball with the best score counting, while foursomes requires players to take alternate shots with one ball.
About the author
US Cuts Tariffs on UK Cars and PlanesโBut Steel Industry Left Behind
Tariff reductions for UK automotive and aerospace sectors have taken effect following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's completion of negotiations for relief from US import duties. UK car manufacturers exporting to America now face a reduced 10% tariff quota, down from the previous 27.5%, while aerospace companies will see a 10% levy eliminated completely. Sir Keir described the agreement as a "historic trade deal" with the US, secured after President Donald Trump implemented import taxes as part of his "liberation day" tariffs affecting countries globally. The Prime Minister and US President finalized the sectoral agreement during the G7 summit, though steel tariffs remain at 25% instead of being reduced to zero as initially negotiated. Discussions continue regarding securing 0% tariffs on core UK steel products destined for US markets. Trump's executive order indicates the US seeks guarantees regarding UK steel […]
Teen Killer Faces Murder Trial After Fatal School Stabbing
A 15-year-old defendant is scheduled to stand trial for murder charges following the fatal stabbing of Harvey Willgoose, also 15, at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on February 3. The accused teenager, whose identity remains protected by law, has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter charges but maintains innocence regarding the murder charge. The trial will commence Monday at Sheffield Crown Court. The defendant has also acknowledged possession of a bladed weapon in connection with the incident. Harvey Willgoose sustained fatal injuries after being stabbed through the heart during the February incident at the Sheffield school. The event generated widespread shock throughout Sheffield and across the country. The victim has been admitted guilty to possessing a bladed article as part of the charges. At Harvey's February funeral service, family and friends remembered him as a "social butterfly" who […]
Government Modifies Welfare Reforms Following Criticism, Vote Scheduled for Next Week
The Government has announced significant changes to its welfare reform proposals ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote next week, following widespread criticism of what opponents labeled a "two-tier" system for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients. Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed confidence that the Government would secure victory in the upcoming vote, stating that the modifications "have put us in a much better position" and provide "peace of mind" to current PIP recipients. The original welfare package proposed restricting PIP eligibility across all recipients, but the Government has now revised its approach. Following pressure from backbench MPs and the threat of a rebellion, the changes will now apply only to new applicants, protecting existing recipients from reassessment. Streeting defended this approach as standard practice for policy transitions, comparing it to changes in student finance systems. "When things change and evolve as […]
Prime Minister Addresses Welfare Reform at Welsh Labour Conference
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the Welsh Labour conference, stating that while there is consensus on the need for welfare system reform, Labour will maintain support for vulnerable people. Speaking in Llandudno following recent policy reversals prompted by parliamentary opposition, Starmer emphasized that reforms must align with Labour principles. "We cannot take away the safety net that vulnerable people rely on, and we won't, but we also can't let it become a snare for those who can and want to work," the Prime Minister stated. Starmer characterized the current welfare system as requiring urgent attention, citing daily failures, challenges facing young people, and escalating costs. He described reform as "a moral imperative" while maintaining it must be approached "in a Labour way." The Prime Minister praised Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, describing her as a "fierce champion" and "the […]
Irish Rap Trio Kneecap Performs at Glastonbury Amid Controversy
Belfast-based rap group Kneecap took to the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, with member Mo Chara declaring "Glastonbury, I'm a free man" during their performance. The trio has been subject to significant media attention following charges against member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, related to a terror offence. Prior to their stage appearance, news broadcasts containing criticism of the hip hop group played through the sound system, which were met with boos from festival attendees. Festival organizers restricted access to the West Holts Stage area approximately 45 minutes before the performance as crowds gathered, displaying Irish and Palestinian flags. Leading up to the Somerset festival, multiple politicians requested the group's removal from the lineup. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated their performance would not be "appropriate". The BBC announced on Saturday that they […]
Body Found in Coventry Woods: Two Men Charged in Connection with Missing Woman Case
Two men have appeared in court following charges related to the disappearance of 34-year-old Reanne Coulson, who went missing in May. West Midlands Police discovered a body in Binley Woods, located on the outskirts of Coventry, on Friday afternoon. The family of Ms Coulson has been informed of this development. Mohammed Durnion, aged 42, was charged with murder and appeared before Coventry Magistrates' Court on Saturday. He has been remanded in custody and will face a preliminary hearing at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday. A second individual, Adam Moore, 38, from Coventry, has been charged with assisting an offender. Moore also appeared at Coventry Magistrates' Court on Saturday and is scheduled to appear at Warwick Crown Court on July 24, where he will remain in custody. Ms Coulson was last observed in the city during May. Her family became concerned […]
Related
England Manager Gareth Southgate Gets Knighthood
Former England manager Gareth Southgate will receive a knighthood at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, joining the ceremony among other honor recipients. The 54-year-old football manager earned recognition for his services to association football in the New Year Honours, following his leadership of England to consecutive European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024, as well as the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. Southgate becomes the fourth England manager to receive a knighthood, joining Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson in this distinction. Sir Gareth stepped down from his position after eight years in charge, following England's 2-1 final defeat to Spain in July. Thomas Tuchel subsequently took over the role. Following the December announcement, Southgate shared his response on social media, humorously noting that his family would be unlikely to address him as "Sir." He stated, "It has […]
Thunder Star Drops 34 Points After Learning Hard Lesson From Blown Lead
Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a dominant performance in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, helping his team bounce back with a 123-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers to tie the series 1-1. "You can't just throw the first punch," Gilgeous-Alexander said after Sunday night's game. "You've got to throw all the punches all night." The statement reflected lessons learned from Game 1, when Oklahoma City surrendered a 15-point fourth-quarter lead before losing 111-110 on a last-second basket by Indiana. Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, eight assists, five rebounds and four steals while shooting an impressive 11-of-12 from the free-throw line. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault highlighted multiple areas of improvement from their opening loss. Oklahoma City capitalized better on Indiana's turnovers, received stronger contributions from Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, nearly doubled their assist total after recording […]
Ronaldo Rejects FIFA World Cup Tournament Despite Multiple Offers
Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated he will almost certainly not participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, potentially disappointing FIFA President Gianni Infantino who hoped to feature one of football's most prominent figures at the tournament. The Portugal captain revealed on Saturday that he had received "quite a few" offers from participating clubs to join them for the tournament beginning June 14, but has decided against accepting any of these invitations. "Some things make sense to talk about, other things don't, and, as a person says, you can't take part in everything," Ronaldo explained. "You have to think about the short, medium and long term. It's a decision practically made on my part not to go to the Club World Cup, but I've had quite a few invitations to go." Ronaldo made these comments in Munich, one day before Portugal's UEFA […]
Liverpool’s ยฃ170M Double Swoop: Former Boss Could Hold Key to Arsenal’s Triple Transfer Dream
Arsenal are reportedly exploring multiple transfer targets this summer, with Nico Williams remaining a priority following his standout performances for Spain at the European Championships last summer. The Athletic Club winger has attracted significant interest from top European clubs since the tournament. Arsenal previously pursued Williams last summer, but the Spanish international chose to remain at his boyhood club for another season. Recent reports suggest Arsenal have renewed contact with Williams, with sources indicating a potential deal may be more feasible this transfer window. However, with the club also targeting Martin Zubimendi and seeking a new striker, securing all three signings could prove financially challenging. Arsenal's striker search has focused on several candidates, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres among the preferred options. However, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has also emerged as a potential target, particularly given Villa's reported concerns […]
Liverpool Exploring Dual Move for Cherki and Wirtz Following Title Success
Following their Premier League title triumph, Liverpool are reportedly considering moves for both Lyon's Rayan Cherki and Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz during the summer transfer window. The Merseyside club are expected to have approximately ยฃ150 million available for transfers after securing the league title. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, suggested that Lyon's current financial difficulties could create an opportunity for Liverpool to pursue Cherki. Cherki, 21, has a ยฃ20 million release clause with one year remaining on his Lyon contract. The French club's reported financial troubles in Ligue 1 may necessitate player sales, potentially making negotiations more straightforward for interested parties. Manchester City are currently considered the frontrunners for Cherki's signature. However, reports indicate that Liverpool manager Arne Slot has met with the player personally in recent weeks, suggesting genuine interest from the […]
Haliburton Hits Clutch Shot With 0.3 Seconds Left To Steal Game 1
Tyrese Haliburton approached the final seconds with unwavering confidence, a mindset developed through multiple playoff performances. The Indiana Pacers guard delivered a 20-foot pull-up jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining Thursday, completing a dramatic comeback in a 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. This marked Haliburton's fourth crucial shot in closing seconds during the 2025 playoffs. The Pacers had not held a lead until his game-winning basket. "Ultimate confidence in himself," teammate Myles Turner observed. "Some players will say they have it, but there are other players that show it. He wants to be the one to hit that shot. He doesn't shy away from that moment." Haliburton's playoff clutch moments include a driving layup with 1.3 seconds left in overtime during Game 5 against Milwaukee, ending that first-round series. In the second […]
Be the first to leave a comment