Shane Lowry knows all too well the magnetic 'Rory McIlroy effect' after the two received a rapturous standing ovation while exiting a New Orleans diner after a "drunken lunch".
The Irish golfing duo, who decided to team up for this year's Zurich Classic over some spirited negotiations, triumphed in Louisiana on their debut as partners.
Despite his own clout in the golf world, Lowry acknowledged that the cheers they received upon leaving the French restaurant were likely in honor of McIlroy and attributed the applause to something specific that happened during their meal.
"It was fancy-ish, but not really. It was just off Bourbon Street," Lowry shared with the Fore Play podcast at the Open, recalling the finest dining experience. "We got a standing ovation leaving the restaurant; well, I was with Rory."
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When probed about the source of the ovation, he conceded: "It was for Rory. He did order a very expensive bottle of wine [laughs]. So yeah, that was probably it!"
McIlroy, 35, had let slip earlier that it was his idea to ask Lowry to join forces after his regular partner, Padraig Harrington, graduated to the Champions Tour. Their partnership has proven a successful one after their conquest of the Zurich title.
McIlory revealed he was geared up to support his fellow countryman Lowry in his quest for a second triumph at The Open Championship at Royal Troon.
He said: "I can't wait to watch this weekend. He relishes these conditions. He gets more up for this than anything else. I'm looking forward to cheering him on and him hopefully getting his second Jug."
The Northern Irishman's comments came after he missed the cut at Royal Troon. McIlroy's major drought now stretches almost 10 years and he is planning to take a break from golf after a difficult few months.
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