Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry tie the lead at Zurich Classic

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are tied for the lead after the opening round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event after carding an 11-under par 61.

With the first round played on the fourball format, the Irish duo registered 11 birdies overall to sit in a fourway tie for the lead alongside three other teams, Aaron Rai and David Lipsky, Ben Kohles and Patton Kizzire, and Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard.

McIlroy and Lowry, probably the most star-studded pair in the field, birdied 10 of their opening 14 holes, with each player rolling in for five birdies apiece.

Making his @Zurich_Classic debut, @McIlroyRory birdies on the first!