Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have committed to return to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans this spring and defend the 2024 title they won in the PGA Tour’s lone team event.

Rory McIlroy addressed the media on the eve of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines and made his stance on the benefits of LIV Golf very clear.

The Northern Irishman revealed that he played golf with President Donald Trump last week and believes he is “on our side” and can influence the negotiations.

McIlroy spoke ahead of the Genesis Invitational on Wednesday from Torrey Pines in San Diego, where he and Tour commissioner Jay Monahan were hit with plenty of questions about the state of the sport and negotiations between the Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund — which, years later, are still ongoing.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are returning to defend their title at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have committed to playing in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where they will look to defend the title they won in dramatic fashion last year

Rory McIlroy's latest PGA Tour tournament commitment speak to his priorities this season after declaring his intentions to cut down on the number of events he plays stateside