Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry make 11 (!) birdies to share Zurich Classic lead

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry tied for the lead after the opening round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

The Irish duo carded a bogey-free round of 11-under 61 at TPC Louisiana. 

They share the lead at the PGA Tour's pairs event with Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard, David Lipski and Aaron Rai and Ben Kohles and Patton Kizzire. 

McIlroy and Lowry raced out of the blocks, making birdies on the first four holes. 

Overall, each player rolled in five birdie putts. 

It could have been better but the duo spurned glorious opportunities at 16 and 17 to go even lower. 

Lowry said: "Any day you go out and play the round of golf we did, you're going to have a good time. We enjoyed it. We both played nice golf. 

"We both made some nice birdies and contributed to the team, and I think we're very happy with the day, and quick turnaround before tomorrow.

"Looking forward to getting out in foursomes tomorrow. Should be fun, as well. It's a format that's tougher, but it is an enjoyable format"

McIlroy is playing this event for the very first time. 

Earlier in the week he revealed Bubba Watson 'hounded' him for years to play in it. 

"I politely declined every time," McIlroy previously said, stressing the fact he didn't want to have a schedule that was too burdensome. 

He said after 18 holes: "I don't know if I knew what to expect. I've watched this tournament a little bit over the years on TV, heard some good things from some of the players. 

"It's nice to come here, team up with a really good friend, and if we play a good round tomorrow, it'll be awesome to be in contention for the weekend and try to get a win on the PGA Tour with a friend beside me. Looking forward to it."

The total prize purse for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans is $8,900,000 with the winners each receiving $1,286,050 each.