Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka have formed an astonishing team partnership at TPC Louisiana ahead of the upcoming tournament. They have joined as partners for the 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Both golfers revealed how the unusual partnership had come into being.

Koepka, a five-time major champion, has seen his career take some unexpected turns of late. Now returning to the PGA Tour, he is navigating a complicated path. Lowry, on the other hand, has been consistent throughout and teamed up with Rory McIlroy to win this event in 2024.

"I said to him, I might need a partner for New Orleans. He goes, 'Well, I'm going to have to play there.' That was kind of it," shared Lowry during an official media briefing organized on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The conversation took place when the two met at the Grove. Lowry followed up with Koepka's caddie, Ricky, a few weeks later.

"Then I text Ricky a few weeks later, and then I sent it to Brooks. I didn't see Brooks for another while because we were playing a bit of a different schedule. Then I said to him, 'Are we going to tee it up in New Orleans?' He said, 'Yeah, let's do it,'" Lowry shared.

Fans are not used to seeing Lowry and Brooks competing against one another. They have never faced each other in a Ryder Cup match. However, they have both competed in the event twice, including the heated 2023 edition outside Rome.

Where do the two stand when it comes to techniques? Lowry is precise off the tee and capable of shaping shots both ways. On the other hand, Koepka's iron play is nearly unmatched.

Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka's Chemistry

While the pairing might come off as unusual, Koepka shared that they have been friends for years. He and Lowry are neighbours, living 15 minutes away from each other in Jupiter.

They often catch up over lunch and practice together on the same golf course. Koepka thinks their abilities match one another in every aspect, allowing them to play well as a team.

"I think we form a really good team," shared Koepka. "I think the way Shane drives the ball, the way my iron play has been lately, and then Shane's short game, it's a pretty good combination."

In turn, Lowry is equally confident due to his partner's five majors, which give him hope. He plans to concentrate on hitting the fairway so Koepka can use his skills on his iron shots.

Lowry and Koepka share a connection that goes beyond South Florida. It dates back to 2012 and ’13 when Koepka was finding his footing on the DP World Tour. Decades later, teaming up, they are both in search of a spark.

Lowry has yet to record a top-10 since his heartbreaking T-2 at the Cognizant Classic, and has struggled in recent Masters final rounds. Koepka, on the other hand, endured a long wait as the first alternate at the RBC Heritage, only to miss out on the field.

Will this Lowry-Koepka partnership click? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar