Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry’s pre-Ryder Cup plan speaks volumes about relationship

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are two of the biggest characters in the European team room at the Ryder Cup, and their relationship is clear to see ahead of the event

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, the dynamic Irish duo, are set to be key figures for Europe’s Ryder Cup ambitions at Bethpage Black in New York, where the action kicks off on Friday. Despite the high stakes, the pair have chosen to spend their last bit of downtime together before the big event.

The two golfing stars were among the early birds, joining their teammates and captain Luke Donald for a crucial two-day reconnaissance mission at the course earlier this week.

Former captain Paul McGinley shared that McIlroy was the life and soul during the trip, with the five-time major winner clearly enjoying the team’s preparations.

With their scouting mission on Long Island wrapping up on Wednesday, the players now have some time to themselves to relax and recharge as they please, with the only stipulation being they remain on the East Coast to adjust to the local time zone ahead of the tournament.

While some of the squad have opted for quiet family moments away from the group, McGinley disclosed that McIlroy and Lowry, along with their families, have jetted off to the Hamptons for a peaceful retreat before the Ryder Cup frenzy begins, reports the Irish Star.

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“Rory’s gone off now and he’s going to have five days with Shane hanging out, playing a bit of golf,” McGinley commented at the end of the scouting trip.

“And he’ll have a bit of craic, I’m sure, as well, too. Then he’ll come back ready and we’ll go at it again on Monday.”

McGinley, who led Europe to a triumphant Ryder Cup victory at Gleneagles in 2014, now serves as a strategic adviser to Donald and the European squad.

He highlighted the significant influence of major winner Shane Lowry during their time at Bethpage. The Dubliner is optimistic about what this means for Europe’s prospects.

“There are certainly two or three personalities in that team that people congregate around, Shane Lowry being one. There’s always craic coming from his table. There’s always laughter. There’s always banter,” McGinley remarked.

He continued, “There’s a bit of slagging. There’s a bit of leg pulling. Caddies are also a huge part of the vibe in a Ryder Cup.

“These modern caddies are very into it as well. They’re very dedicated in what they do, but they also have the leg pulling and crack. And the same in the golf course too.

“The banter and slagging on the golf course while they were playing competitively in matches was good. So, I can honestly say that the vibe is very similar to the vibe that I would have had in the eras that I played in. And that was good to see because it’s an important part.”

McGinley concluded with confidence, “The vibe is a very important part of creating a platform for the players to go and take on the challenge of what this match is going to be. So, I think we’re in good shape. And we have certainly no issues behind the scenes that we’re having to deal with.”