2. Well, they had a three-shot lead to start the day and, although it was nervy at times, Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin get the job done for a first PGA Tour win.
3. This weekend, and especially that 17th hole, will live long in the memory of both men.
4. For the reigning champions Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy, it was a strong title defence but they just couldn’t get things going in the final round.
5. Still, they looked like they enjoyed themselves again in New Orleans and the team format produced another entertaining tournament.
6. That’s all from us here, thanks for joining (and staying with) us!
8. Novak/Griffin -28, Knapp/Capan -26 (F)
9. Ben Griffin’s pitch carries the bunker (just about) and leaves him and his partner with 17 feet and two putts to secure the win.
10. Andrew Novak, beaten in a play-off by Justin Thomas seven days ago at Harbour Town, knocks it down to within a foot and leaves the honours to his partner.
11. Knapp and Capan get their par too to finish in third.
13. Hojgaard/Hojgaard -27 (F)
14. It’s a birdie on 18 for the Hojgaards and they finish up on 27 under par.
15. They’re in solo second at present with Novak and Griffin now needing a par to put the finishing touches on this one.
16. Image source, Getty Images
18. Novak/Griffin -28, Knapp/Capan -26 (17)
19. Griffin gets a thumbs up from Novak as his tee shot on the 18th comes to a stop 306 yards up the fairway.
20. That birdie on the 17th was their first since the seventh hole, by the way…all the way back before the rain delay.
22. Novak/Griffin -28, Knapp/Capan -26 (17)
23. WHAT A PUTT!
24. There’s only been three birdies on the 17th all day but Ben Griffin finds one when he and his partner needed it most.
25. They get to 28 under par and take a huge step towards winning the Zurich Classic.
26. A two-shot lead heading for the last.
27. Image source, Getty Images
29. Hojgaard/Hojgaard -26 (17)
30. Quite the scene on the 18th as Hojgaard tries to find a suitable drop.
31. We’ve a cart path and a hospitality tent to contend with and it’s taking some time to get things sorted
33. Novak/Griffin -27, Knapp/Capan -27 (17)
34. It’s all happening now!
35. Capan finds the water on 17th. Novak looks like he may join him but breathes a huge sigh of relief as he stays dry.
36. Ahead on the 18th, Rasmus Hojgaard looks for all the world like he’s gone out of bounds but the marshals find his ball and they’re going to get relief.
37. The Danes are still very much in this.
40. Mao Saigo has won the Chevron Championship, prevailing in the five-way play-off on the first extra hole.
41. It is a first major title for the 23-year-old Japanese player.
42. Remarkable finish in Houston.
43. Image source, Getty Images
45. Hojgaard/Hojgaard -26 (17)
46. On the 17th, Rasmus Hojgaard’s putt speeds by the hole and he’s left more meat on the bone there than his brother would have liked.
47. Nicolai tidies up, though, to keep them one back heading for the last.
48. Leaders still taking their time back on the 16th green.
50. Lowry/McIlroy -23 (F)
51. Not the title defence that Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry wanted here in New Orleans but they’ve always looked to be enjoying themselves, even during a tough back nine today.
52. Lowry makes a putt from the fringe on the 18th for a birdie and it’s all smiles again as they head off to sign for an even-par 72.
53. They could have done with a few more of those putts across the past five hours or so but, as it stands, they’re in a tie for 13th place as they finish up.
54. Image source, Getty Images
56. Hojgaard/Hojgaard -26 (16)
57. The Hojgaards need at least one birdie in their final two holes.
58. They’re on the green off the tee at the 17th and are still just one shot back of the leaders
59. Image source, Getty Images
61. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -21 (17)
62. On the par-three 17th, Lowry had a 12-foot putt for par from the edge of the green but it’s turning into a rough finish for him and McIlroy.
63. Another bogey, their third in the past five holes and they’re over par for the round now.
66. Over at the Chevron Championship, the first women’s major of the season, a FIVE-way play-off will be needed to decide the winner!
67. Hyo Joo Kim, Ruoning Yin, Ariya Jutanugarn, Lindy Duncan and Mao Saigo are going to extra holes in Texas.
68. Talk about a tense finish.
69. Image source, Getty Images
70. Image caption,
71. American Lindy Duncan made birdie on the 72nd hole to make the play-off
73. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -22 (16)
74. The putts just aren’t falling.
75. McIlroy has a good look for a birdie but it’s no dice again.
76. He walks towards the ball like he’s going to tap it in before remembering that’s a job for his playing partner this week.
78. Salinda/Velo -22, Lowry/McIlroy -22 (15)
79. It’s bogeys for both at the 15th and this title defence is all over bar the shouting now.
80. The Hojgaards have another birdie though, just one back now.
81. Image source, Getty Images
83. Hojgaard/Hojgaard -25, Hisatsune/Kanaya -24 (13)
84. An eventful stretch for the Hojgaard twins.
85. They’ve gone bogey-birdie-bogey-birdie over the past four holes.
86. It’s Nicolai who gets the putt to drop on the 13th and they’re back within two of the lead.
88. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -23 (14)
89. When it isn’t your day, it isn’t your day.
90. On the par three, McIlroy’s tee shot leaves 15 feet for the birdie.
91. Lowry’s putt doesn’t drop and it’s another par.
92. Four back with four to play.
93. Salinda and Velo make a bogey and they’re back to 23 under too.
94. Image source, Getty Images
96. Salinda/Velo -24, Lowry/McIlroy -23 (13)
97. From the edge of the green, Lowry decides to chip and that’s not a good shot either!
98. McIlroy’s putt from about eight feet slides past the hole and it’ll be the first bogey of the day.
99. For most of the day it’s felt as if they’ve been spinning their wheels but that wasn’t the time to start going backwards!
101. Salinda/Velo -24, Lowry/McIlroy -24 (12)
102. Someone is on our side anyway…it seems the final group have been told to pick up the pace!
103. Meanwhile, ahead on the 13th, Lowry has found the rough.
104. Tricky stance here for McIlroy, as well…
105. And that’s not what he was after.
106. He’s ended up about 30 feet from the hole.
107. Image source, Getty Images
109. Novak/Griffin -27, Knapp/Capan -27 (10)
110. Jake Knapp and Frankie Capan have made a birdie at the 10th and they move into a tie at the top.
111. The leaders are taking their time at the tee on the 11th.
112. It’s like they’re not thinking about those of us on the other side of the Atlantic at all.

Page 2

1. Salinda/Velo -24, Lowry/McIlroy -24 (12)
2. That wayward drive found the fairway bunker and in truth Lowry’s shot from the sand wasn’t much better, leaving McIlroy a nasty enough chip onto the green.
3. The good friends haven’t done each other many favours so far.
4. It’s a beautiful pitch from McIlroy, though.
5. You felt they couldn’t drop a shot there and, as Lowry knocks in the short one, they haven’t.
6. Salinda and Velo do and they’re back to 24 under par.
8. Salinda/Velo -25, Lowry/McIlroy -24 (11)
9. Perhaps understandably, there’s been sloppy play all over the place upon the resumption.
10. Our leaders Novak and Griffin have made a pair of bogeys to see their lead cut to one, while the Hojgaards have dropped a shot too.
11. Now just three back, McIlroy’s drive on the 12th is again far from his best.
12. Image source, Getty Images
14. Salinda/Velo -25, Lowry/McIlroy -24 (11)
15. Lowry’s chip is too short and McIlroy can’t make the lengthy birdie putt.
16. They’ve played the three par fives in just one under so far today.
17. That hole will have felt like a real birdie opportunity but not to be.
20. Remember when we said McIlroy had that eagle when play resumed yesterday…not this time.
21. He was never going to hole that one but his three wood drifts left and Lowry will have a difficult third shot.
22. Just a reminder that the pair have resumed on the 11th hole.
25. The very first thing McIlroy did after yesterday’s pause in play was drain an eagle putt…so there’s that at least.
26. Still waiting for word of just how long we’re expecting this rain delay to be but we’ll be back with you when play resumes.
29. They don’t do light showers around here.
30. Tipping it down by the looks of it.
31. We’re told the delay should hopefully just be 45 minutes.
33. Salinda/Velo -24, Lowry/McIlroy -24 (10)
34. Lowry finds the fairway on the 11th.
35. The third of the par fives, you figure this is a must birdie…
36. But there goes the hooter.
37. We had a 90-minute delay for the rain yesterday, let’s hope it’s not as long today!
39. Salinda/Velo -24, Lowry/McIlroy -24 (10)
40. As they got up to the ball, the lie wasn’t too bad at all there.
41. Lowry knocks it onto the green…about 14 feet for the birdie.
42. Oh no!
43. It just needed another roll or two. McIlroy has his head in his hand, he can’t believe that hasn’t dropped.
44. As if to double the blow, Novak and Griffin have found a birdie at the seventh. The American duo move five clear of the reigning champions.
46. Salinda/Velo -24, Lowry/McIlroy -24 (9)
47. Oooofffftttt.
48. It’s into the rough again off the tee for McIlroy at the 10th.
49. The Holywood man could really do with finding a few more fairways the rest of the way.
50. Image source, Getty Images
52. Salinda/Velo -24, Lowry McIlroy -24 (9)
53. That’s the front nine in the books for Lowry and McIlroy.
54. They’re out in 34 and four behind Novak and Griffin.
55. Need to hit the accelerator as they head for home.
56. Image source, Getty Images
58. Salinda/Velo -24, Lowry/McIlroy -24 (8)
59. Yikes!
60. Lowry’s chip comes up shy of the green.
61. But it’s a great chip from Rory…just about three feet for par.
62. No troubles for Lowry.
63. That one will feel like an escape.
64. Playing partners Salinda and Velo get their first birdie of the day.
66. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -24 (7)
67. McIlroy’s drive on the eighth is in the right rough.
68. Can Shane bail him out?
69. Image source, Getty Images
71. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -24 (7)
72. Lowry can’t get the eagle putt to drop but McIlroy tidies up for birdie.
73. Novak and Griffin have found a birdie at the fifth too, though.
75. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIroy -23 (6)
76. There’s some more of that magic with the irons from McIlroy…his second shot at the seventh leaves just about 13 feet for an eagle.
77. This would be big!
79. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -23 (6)
80. Almost better than that!
81. McIlroy gives the bunker shot a real rattle…it doesn’t drop but it’s a tap-in par for Lowry.
82. Salinda and Velo remain in neutral, they’re even through six.
84. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -23 (5)
85. Can’t be giving that shot straight back, though.
86. McIlroy finds the fairway at the sixth but Lowry’s approach is in the greenside bunker.
87. This feels like a big up and down.
88. Can they get it?
89. Image source, Getty Images
91. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -23 (5)
92. That’ll do!
93. Lowry sinks the putt and there’s the first birdie of the round.
94. Within four…
96. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -22 (4)
97. Lowry finds the fairway again at the fifth and McIlroy’s wedge is within 13 feet.
98. Could this be when they get things going?
99. Meanwhile, the Hojgaards have bogeyed the third.
100. Image source, Getty Images
102. Novak/Griffin -27 (2)
103. About that stroke gained…
104. The leaders have been out of position off the tee on both their opening holes but Novak sinks a short birdie putt on the par-five second.
105. Lowry and McIlroy are five back again.
107. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -22 (4)
108. After a better McIlroy drive, the second is 177 yards from the pin and Lowry has a short iron in his hand.
109. Oh, he’ll have been expecting better there as he misses the green.
110. McIlroy doesn’t look too happy with his chip, but it’ll be about 10 feet left for Lowry.
111. But it’s a beautiful putt for a fourth consecutive par.
112. It’s been a steady if unspectacular start, but at least they’ve gained a shot on the leaders already.
113. Image source, Getty Images

Page 3

1. Hojgaard/Hojgaard -25 (2)
2. It’s a second birdie in as many holes for the Hojgaards and the Danes are within one shot of the lead.
3. Image source, Getty Images
5. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -22 (3)
6. Almost a jolt of momentum at the third.
7. Lowry hits iron off the tee on the par three, ending up almost 50 feet from the flag.
8. McIlroy gives the putt a real go, though.
9. The Masters champion is on his knees as it just inches by. Thought he had that one!
10. Back on the first, Griffin misses the putt for par. Their lead is down to two, with McIlroy and Lowry two further back.
12. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -22 (2)
13. I was being kind to McIlroy there, he left Lowry with 36 feet for the birdie.
14. The putt comes up short but again will leave a tap in for his partner.
15. No damage done after the wayward drive but they’ll know they have to make more of the par fives if they are to vault up the leaderboard.
16. It’s a par-par start for Salinda and Velo, too.
18. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -22 (1)
19. Lowry lays up but it’s still in the rough for McIlroy’s third.
20. His approach finds the green but it’ll be a 30-foot putt for Lowry if he’s to find a birdie.
21. The Hojgaards do have themselves a birdie, though, to get within three of the lead.
23. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -22 (1)
24. Lowry joked after Friday’s round that he enjoyed playing his first shot after McIroy’s prodigious drives.
25. Not so here as his pal is left shouting “fore left” off the tee.
26. Lowry will have to dig this out of the rough on the par five.
27. Image source, Getty Images
29. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -22 (1)
30. McIlroy with a lovely wedge shot to give Lowry a look for birdie from about eight feet.
31. It’s not quite the perfect start, though, as the putt slides by.
32. Velo knocks his own putt past the hole but his partner Salinda tidies up for him.
33. It’s as you were after the first.
35. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy
36. Lowry with the driver on the first and he hits a nice fade down the left-side of the fairway.
37. They’ll like that start!
39. Salinda/Velo -23, Lowry/McIlroy -22
40. The reigning champions are on the first tee…
42. Lowry & McIlroy -22 (18:33 BST)
43. McIlroy’s final shot of the third round was a putt 90 minutes in the making.
44. After waiting out a rain delay on the 18th, the world number two holed it for an eagle to bring him and Lowry to 22 under par.
45. “The last thing on my mind during the delay was the putt, and then once I got back out there, I sort of concentrated on it and made sure I did what I needed to do and it was just a bonus for it to go in,” said McIlroy.
46. “As long as we keep having fun out there, that’ll be the best way for us to get the best out of ourselves.”
47. Just a reminder that, unlike yesterday, it will be an alternate-shot round today.
48. Image source, Getty Images
50. Lowry & McIlroy -22 (18:33 BST)
51. Image source, Getty Images
52. Despite the team element at TPC Louisiana this week, a win here would represent the 30th PGA Tour title of Rory McIlroy’s career and an eighth that he has won more than once.
53. It would be the first time since retaining the CJ Cup in 2022 that he has successfully defended a title, although he has won on consecutive starts as recently as last year when he followed victory here with another win at the Wells Fargo Championship.
54. Not the biggest career achievements the Masters champion has secured this month, of course, but some milestones on offer nonetheless.
57. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry may be five shots off the lead heading into the final round of the Zurich Classic but the reigning champions faced a similar deficit heading into the back nine a year ago.
58. Then, the night still ended with McIlroy belting out some Journey in the tournament’s marquee…
59. Will we see similar celebrations this evening? Stick with us to find out and we’ll keep you up to date with how the old pals get on in New Orleans.
60. McIlroy and Lowry are out at 18:33 BST, 22 minutes before the leaders Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin.
61. Image source, Getty Images