Newly crowned Masters champion Rory McIlroy will return to action next week to defend his Zurich Classic of New Orleans title alongside Shane Lowry.
The Northern Irishman has been at home following his historic victory at Augusta earlier this month, where he completed his career Grand Slam.
Lowry confirmed that McIlroy will fly back to the United States for the team event in Louisiana, which begins on Thursday.
The pair won last year’s tournament in a play-off against Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer.
Rory McIlroy won The Masters last week and already has plans to return to golf soon
Reuters
McIlroy’s victory at Augusta made him just the sixth golfer to have achieved a modern career grand slam.
The 35-year-old joins an elite group alongside Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
“I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember,” McIlroy said after his Masters triumph.
“I’ve carried that burden since August 2014. It’s nearly 11 years. And not just about winning my next major, but the career Grand Slam.”
“It was a heavy weight to carry, and thankfully now I don’t have to carry it.”
Lowry told Golfweek that he had spoken with McIlroy on Wednesday morning and confirmed they would be competing together.
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Rory McIlroy finally won The Masters at the weekendReuters
McIlroy chose to skip this week’s RBC Heritage event on the PGA Tour after his Masters success, opting to return home to Northern Ireland instead.
Last year’s Zurich Classic victory came in dramatic fashion as McIlroy and Lowry defeated the American pairing of Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer in a play-off.
The duo will now look to defend their title when the tournament begins next Thursday.
McIlroy’s return to competitive action comes just two weeks after his emotional victory at Augusta National.
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Following his appearance at the Zurich Classic, McIlroy is scheduled to compete in the Truist Championship in Philadelphia between 8-11 May.
The world number two will then return to major action at the US PGA Championship on 15 May at Quail Hollow in North Carolina.
This venue has been a happy hunting ground for McIlroy, who has won four PGA Tour events there.
The 35-year-old will be attempting to win his third US PGA title, having previously claimed victories in 2012 and 2014.
