Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have a unique strategy for choosing a golf ball during the foursomes rounds at the Zurich Classic. After McIlroy’s busy week since winning the Masters, he and Lowry are back to defend their title at the PGA Tour’s lone team event. Despite arriving late in New Orleans due to a cold and storms, McIlroy is excited to play with Lowry and enjoyed the event’s unique format.
The event presents a unique gear challenge for regular PGA Tour golf, as teams must play two different golf balls during the four-ball and foursomes rounds. McIlroy switched to TaylorMade’s softer TP5 ball earlier this season, while Lowry plays Srixon’s Z-Star XV. The defending champions found a loophole allowing them to switch balls freely during the foursomes rounds and plan to take advantage of it.
McIlroy and Lowry have a strategy where they will each hit the other’s ball off the tee when needed, ensuring they can control the ball in various conditions. Lowry mentioned that they tested both balls and found them to be similar, making the switch easier for them. While not every team is adopting the same strategy, McIlroy and Lowry have a plan in place to navigate the alternate-shot format successfully.
The TaylorMade 2024 TP5 Golf Balls offer a soft feel and enhanced spin around the green with lower driver spin. The new Speed Wrapped Core promotes a faster, more responsive design, making it an excellent choice for golfers who prioritize touch and feel in their short game. The TP5 Yellow version is highly visible and durable, staying bright for longer with no chipped paint.
The Srixon 2025 Z-STAR XV Golf Balls provide maximum ball speed for unmatched distance with a premium 3-piece construction for complete tour performance. Skilled players will appreciate the optimized spin and tour-level stopping power around the green. The Z-STAR series is designed to deliver pure performance when it matters most, making it a top choice for serious players.
Overall, the Zurich Classic’s team format poses a unique challenge for players, requiring them to strategize not only on the course but also with their equipment choices. McIlroy and Lowery’s innovative approach to selecting golf balls showcases their adaptability and understanding of the game. As they aim to defend their title, their sneaky strategy may give them an advantage on the challenging course. With top-quality golf balls like the TaylorMade TP5 and Srixon Z-STAR XV, players can optimize their performance and make the most of the alternate-shot format.