Rory Lowry
McIlroy and Lowry will play together on the PGA Tour for the first time Image Credit: Rory Tracker/X

Rory McIlroy will link up with good friend Shane Lowry when he makes his debut at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans next month.

The Zurich Classic is the only team tournament on the PGA Tour this season with format alternating between fourball best ball and foursomes.

"Both of these players have competed for Europe in Ryder Cup competition, so they are very accustomed to team play," said Steve Worthy, chief executive of the Fore!Kids Foundation, which runs the tournament.

"It's always fun to see close friends partner in our unique format, and with their experience they will be both fan and on-course favourites."

The tournament will mark the first time they have teamed up together on the PGA Tour and the first time they have played on the same fourball team since the 2021 Ryder Cup.

Other confirmed pairs for the event include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Will Zalatoris and Sahith Theegala and reigning champions Davis Riley and Nick Hardy.

The purse for 2024 totals a record $8.9m [£7m], with each member of the winning team earning $1,286,050 [£1m] and 400 FedExCup points.