The Irish duo of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry failed to defend their title at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans after a tough back nine on Sunday.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry falter in their bid to win back-to-back Zurich Classic of New Orleans as American pair Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin claimed their first PGA Tour title.

Rory McIlroy made his highly anticipated return to the golf course following his stunning Masters win this weekend as the five-time major winner partnered fellow Irishman and good friend Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The duo won the competition last year, during what was McIlroy’s first appearance at the event in Louisiana.