Mcilroy and Lowry post 64 in opening round but trail leaders Salinda and Velo by six shots.

Rory McIlroy made a composed return to PGA Tour action on Thursday, reuniting with fellow Irishman Shane Lowry to open their title defence at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with a solid eight-under-par 64.

Fresh off his historic triumph at The Masters two weeks ago, where he became just the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam, McIlroy picked up where he left off—this time as part of a team format at TPC Louisiana.

The Zurich Classic, the only team event on the PGA Tour, began in four-ball format, where each golfer plays their own ball and the better score from each hole counts toward the team’s total. McIlroy and Lowry combined for seven birdies, an eagle, and a lone bogey, finishing six strokes off the early pace set by Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo.

The American duo stole the spotlight with a breathtaking 14-under-par 58, the lowest opening round in the tournament’s history. Salinda and Velo recorded a birdie or better on each of their first 11 holes, capped by additional gains at the 13th and 15th, surging to the top of the leaderboard.

McIlroy, chatting frequently with Lowry and clearly in high spirits, appeared content with their performance despite the deficit. “We played some really nice stuff out there,” said McIlroy. “There’s plenty of golf left. In this format, anything can happen.”

Lowry added: “We kept the mistakes minimal and gave ourselves loads of chances. We know what’s required here.”

Chasing Salinda and Velo are the Danish twin duo, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, who electrified the closing stretch with six consecutive birdies to sign for a 13-under 59. Kris Ventura and Antoine Rozner, representing Europe, also impressed with an 11-under 61 to remain firmly in contention.

Conditions were ripe for scoring in the first round, with calm winds and receptive greens giving players every opportunity to attack. That advantage shifts quickly, though, as Friday’s second round introduces the foursomes format—a far more demanding test of team cohesion, where players alternate shots.

Among the afternoon groups on Thursday were notable pairings like Matt Fitzpatrick and his brother Alex, as well as Collin Morikawa alongside Kurt Kitayama. Both teams were looking to take advantage of the early scoring trend before the format shift on day two.

McIlroy’s presence has been a major draw this week, particularly after his emotional win at Augusta National, which filled the final gap in his illustrious career. That victory, his first major in nearly a decade, reignited discussions of his place among golf’s all-time greats.

This week, however, the focus is on teamwork and camaraderie. McIlroy and Lowry are no strangers to partnership, having also represented Europe together in Ryder Cups. Their Zurich Classic title last year marked a highlight in their already well-established friendship on and off the course.

Still, if they are to repeat that success, they’ll need to chase down a youthful and fearless Salinda and Velo, whose opening salvo has set a formidable benchmark. As the field prepares for the alternate-shot grind of round two, every pairing knows that today’s fireworks must be followed by discipline and precision.

The Zurich Classic continues Friday from 1:45pm live on Sky Sports Golf, with every shot of McIlroy and Lowry’s title chase sure to be under the spotlight.